Rikiesha Metzger

Artist Statement

My work unveils the spiritual realm by exploring the unseen experiences that shape the lives of Black women. While these ideas are not limited to Black women, the Black woman remains my central area of focus. Through the mediums of wire, digital media, papercut, fiber arts, and illustration, I create art that embodies movement, presence, and the intangible spiritual experiences that permeate our existence. The airy, suspended nature of the forms found within my work allows light and shadow to interact, revealing both the physical and spiritual dimensions of each piece.

The diverse media I employ are more than mere structure; they represent movement, fluidity, and the lived energy interlaced within form. My pieces are a tangible manifestation of my framework, Black Artistic Thought, which examines how Black women artists and thinkers utilize multidisciplinary art forms to express the spiritual. These works give shape to presence, honoring the ways Black women carry history, spirit, memory, and inherent power.

While inspired by Augusta Savage’s understanding of art’s transformative power, my work offers a distinct exploration of these themes. Savage’s ability to imbue her sculptures with a sense of collective voice and spiritual uplift, particularly in The Harp, resonates with my own artistic intentions.

Like Savage, I strive to create works that transcend physical objects, becoming offerings that amplify voices often marginalized. My artwork continues this dialogue by presenting pieces that are both grounded and ethereal. These multimedia forms hold space, reflecting the resilience, divinity, and creative force of Black women creators and thinkers. Their presence challenges traditional notions of memory, value, and history. Through light, hope, love, and movement, I illuminate a truth that Black women have always known: we are here, we are strong, and we continue to rise.