PHOTOGRAPHY

Many Moons Series (2022)

Many moons is Bréana Janae Parks’ internal discovery of the matriarchs in her family. The photographer and mixed media artist crafted a quilt to unpack the inherited female trauma passed down to them through their mothers and her grandmothers. This was done through collecting the garments of the matriarchs, from wedding dresses, church dresses, night gowns, and prom dresses. All of these fabrics are woven into the shape resembling a womb

Illusions of Innocence (2021)

Illusions of Innocence is a photo series that explores the perceived notions projected onto Black youth that forces them to grow up by the age of 10 thus stripping them of their innocence. Breana Janae Parks, a Bay Area photographer, photographs local youth as well as her students to portray the two sides of Black childhood. The first images of the series are the stereotypes often put on the shoulders of Black youth. Juxtaposed is the second image which portrays the genuine euphoria of youth. The photos are displayed on 8mm Habotai Silk to mimic a veil–In the literal sense the veil is made of silk which is an item often sold which makes our child’s lives even more precious, and the view that was lifted for some.

WAVES (2020)

Inspired by the works of Adrian Octavius Walker and John Edmonds, and films like Moonlight and Waves. WAVES uses durags as a metaphor for protecting black beauty and waves. Using the ocean as a backdrop was important in highlighting the duality of history and the concept of fluidity. The ocean is seen as a historic baptism where the we honor ancestors who died on passage to these lands. Fluidity is important in our society in order to break stigmas on black men being shown as hyper masculine. Durags protect our waves and waves to me is also the people itself.

Faded (2018)

This is from the Faded Series, which looks a Black owned barbershop’s community outreach and development in gentrified area; North Park, CA. Shot on 35mm film. Shot as a Senior project with Aleya Zenieris–mix of film and digital.

Second Family (2019)

Second Family, explores the relationship between Brandon Parks, my father and his basketball players over the multiple years hes coached. It illustrates the strong bond he builds with the kids, taking them on as his own–becoming his second family in the process.