Episode 11: The Artist Series: Jillian Browning- Feminism, Identity, and the Contemporary Black Experience

Art defines our world, tells our story as human beings, and gives a perspective on life that can only be defined by someone willing to be vulnerable. In these episodes, artists put their lives on display and give the world an opportunity to peek into their lived experiences. Experiences that are beautiful, hard, show breakdowns, hold unapologetic scars, and display fruitful delights. In this first episode, I introduce to you someone close to me, my sister Jillian. We discuss her path to becoming a photographer, why representation in art matters, and why these stories matter to the audiences they are meant for.

Jillian Marie Browning (she/they) is an interdisciplinary artist pursuing themes of feminism, identity, and the contemporary black experience. Born in Ocala, Florida they received a Bachelor of Science degree in Photography from the University of Central Florida in 2012 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art from Florida State University in 2015. They have had their work shown nationally as well as been included in the permanent collection of the Center for Photography at Woodstock, The Southeast Museum of Photography, and the University of Maryland’s David C. Driskell Center For The Study of Visual Arts and Culture Of African Americans and the African Diaspora. They enjoy puppies, comic books, the color pink, and radical feminism. They currently serve as Assistant Professor of Photography at The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The Trauma Perspective is a discussion with Dr. Tasha Browning, a licensed mental health counselor, about trauma, mental health, and healing. These talks are about complicated experiences, complex topics, and resources to promote personal healing in your trauma work. 

Resources for Further Investigation: 

www.jillianmariebrowning.com