Naomi Cordova – Final Project VCU FA24

As an artist, I wanted to use this medium to powerfully illustrate the deep-rooted and multifaceted nature of misogynoir that I and so many other Black women face, both in digital spaces and in society at large.

Constructing the conceptual structure map was crucial in highlighting the complex web of issues that contribute to and perpetuate misogynoir – from online harassment and hate speech to systemic biases and oppressive ideologies. Seeing those terms like “racism,” “sexism,” “feminism,” and “queer theory” clustered together underscores how these forms of marginalization intersect and amplify one another, creating a suffocating reality for us.

Incorporating the image of Trump’s offensive language towards Vice President Harris was a deliberate choice to serve as a jarring reminder of the normalization of misogynoir, even at the highest levels of power. It speaks to the pervasive nature of these attitudes and the continued dehumanization of Black women, which we are expected to endure.

In contrast, the silhouetted portrait of the young Black woman, with her hand raised in a gesture of resistance, was meant to represent the resilience, strength, and refusal to be silenced that I and many Black women embody in the face of such adversity. The bold, emotive style of the image conveys the emotional weight of these experiences, which we carry with us every day.

Integrating the data visualization element, the graph charting the increase in misogynoir-related trends over time, was crucial in underscoring the urgency and scale of the issue. It calls attention to the need for systemic change and collective action to address these deep-rooted societal problems, which have profoundly impacted my life and the lives of my community.

Ultimately, I created this collage as a multilayered call to action, demanding that we reckon with the insidious nature of misogynoir and work towards creating more just, equitable, and empowering digital and social spaces for Black women. It is a powerful artistic intervention that refuses to let these critical issues be ignored or minimized, and I hope it inspires others to engage with and reflect on this vital message.