BLK & BRWN
The Story
Sierra Siler, 25, is a visual artist based in Cleveland, OH. On Juneteenth of 2020, Siler founded BLK & BRWN LLC, the formerly self-titled art shop dedicated to inclusively representing Black beauty in home decor and apparel. From showcasing a range of skin complexions and body types, to providing quality home décor and stationery, the brand was created to make Black girls feel seen and included in representations of beauty.
Growing up, seeing anyone on T.V. or in magazines that resembled me was a rarity, even more so if they were represented in leading, uplifting, or positive ways. This was especially the case for Black women and girls with darker complexions, plus sizes, natural hair, or any other unconventionally beautiful features. I therefore hope to negate poor and negligent representations of Black women by highlighting the things that make us beautiful. I also find the physical and cultural qualities we are often criticized and ostracized for, to be the very things that make us unique and magical.
However, I find it equally important to recognize our humanity. As Black women, we are flawed, growing, learning individuals like everyone else. We do not always feel beautiful. We do not always feel like confident, strong Black women. This platform aims to recognize both the beauty and the humanity of Black women by portraying both our percieved flaws and femininity.
Black women are creative and intelligent forces of nature, too diverse in style, thought, and beauty to be excluded or represented in any one way. This platform was created to beautifully, femininely, and authentically portray Black women and girls through its artwork. However, I believe true representation is the freedom and access to portray ourselves in whichever ways we choose, in the many ways we choose. Whether soft or strong, Black women are deserving of representation that is as diverse as we are, free of restriction and categorization.
-Siler, 2019
BLK & BRWN is dedicated to celebrating living, Black visual artists. We believe artists should be gifted their flowers during their life and career, not only after they've ended. Through our social media and The Black Art List, this platform intentionally recognizes Black artists through support and promotion. The Black Art List is a carefully-curated index of Black visual artists with a variety of media and styles. The List was created to connect Black artists to prospective buyers and share their artwork. Use this directory to shop, hire, and draw inspiration from talented Black artists from around the world.