BEYONCE
“BUBA”
ARMSTRONG
A Buba Creation is the studio wonderland of Beyonce “Buba” Armstrong’s productions. The work includes paintings, sculptures, jewelry, sneakers, clothing, toys, installations, poetry, and many more. Beyonce is a native Brooklyn artist bridging the gap between pop culture and the art world. Her work intends to shock audiences with authenticity and accessibility where the art world prospers on its exclusive identity.
The implications of class division and the historical exclusion towards artists of color have contributed to detached sentiments about art organizations. Feelings of otherness and misplacement often become prevalent within traditional spaces. In the search to break down the restrictive walls of art institutions, she creates work meant to reach the general public by representing ordinary people in the working class. Her goal is to transform art spaces into safe communities which can serve as historical education and cultural entertainment.
Beyonce Armstrong was born and raised in Bedstuy, Brooklyn to a single teen mom in the 2000s. Her experience growing up in a low income community has rooted strong values in perseverance, resourcefulness, and accessibility as it relates to themes of culture, class, and evolution. Feelings of pride can stem from being raised in a community where prominent figures such as Biggie, Lil Kim, Busta Rhymes, Jay Z, Chris Rock, Lena Horne and Jackie Robinson have served as inspiration. With Bed-Stuy’s harsh reputation, one must have the tenacity and hustle mentality to make it out of the "Do or Die” district. These figures have shown Beyonce that it can be possible to reach your full potential despite one’s adversity. Thus the hustle began.
The lack of resources have translated to unconventional ways of approaching art. Interests in found materials and everyday subject matter inspires Beyonce to take references from pop culture and urban lifestyle to create pieces representative of her observations and experiences. Aspirations of global recognition and widespread support of community consciousness has encouraged ambitious projects that question conventionality.
Exhibitions:
Weaving the Pieces Together, Abbott Hall, Chicago IL, 2024
HangNight, Heath Gallery, Harlem NY, 2023
Artspiration: Fluidity, Rapha Art Life Center, Brooklyn NY, 2023
Back in the Day, Basquiat’s Bottle, Brooklyn NY, 2023
Kidseeworld, Waterman Gallery, Providence RI, 2022
Bubaland, CBD Farmstand, Providence RI, 2022
Mega Storage, RISD Memorial Hall Gallery, Providence RI, 2022
Senior Show, RISD Woods Gerry Gallery, Providence RI, 2022
The Corner Store Pop Up, Revival Brewery, Providence RI, 2021
Speaking Through Masks, ABC No Rio, 2020
Junior Show, RISD Memorial Hall Gallery, Providence RI, 2020
Teen Takeover, The Apollo Theatre, Harlem NY, 2019
Senior Show, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, New York NY, 2018