Jade Williams (b. 1993, Streamwood, IL, United States) is an installation artist and surface designer whose work investigates the histories and complexities that surround Black Female Bodies. Jade received her BFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign where her work was exhibited at the Krannert Art Museum and Figure One Gallery. Recently, her work has been exhibited at Woman Made Gallery, the Leather Archives and Museum, and Slate Arts and Performance Center. Jade is a 2016 recipient of the James R. and Dorothy E. Shipley Award, the Florence M. House award, and winner of the 2016 Evanston and Vicinity Biennial. Currently, she lives and works in the Greater Chicago Area.
Using the illusionary aesthetics of the 70’s, afrofuturism, and extraterrestrials my work addresses the themes of access, excess, escapism, and visibility in relation to the Black female body.The ideas associated with space are key influences to my practice as there are several realms that coin the term; including the invasion of space, interior/exterior spaces, private/public spaces, safe spaces, and outer space. Through my installations, surface designs, sculptural and wearable objects, I disrupt the discourse of elitist aesthetics as a means for reclaiming my body and being as a space of autonomy.
Their Eye's Were Watching God Digital Illustration
Disco Inferno (Pattern Number 1) Digital Surface Pattern Design
