A few weeks ago I quit my full-time job to focus on my freelance and personal projects. After, feeling empowered, I met with someone who gave me creative feedback on my work. Their underlying message was diversify. It stuck with me.

Are all artists told this? Or just people of color who focus on people of color. It made me feel marginalized and reminded me of the “sunken place” in “Get Out". Outside of the movie’s concept, this place is also a metaphor for the history of slavery, cultural appropriation and racial social hierarchies. The sunken place is being stuck; unable to move how you want. With this all in mind I created this photo essay featuring Khadijat Dania in an alternate reality, where it feels like home, but it’s not quite right. The makeup, by Dominique Berry, gave her doll-like consciousness. But, then, color and light.