French artist Manon Biernacki is known for her surrealist illustrations of people of colour. In her latest series, she has created saturated paintings of Black youth who are embracing or are entwined with plants. These paintings draw parallels of values between plants and Black youth in how they are perceived and interacted with in society. It speaks of their resilience, a quiet and yet nurturing force that continues to grow despite having been planted on hostile lands. These paintings reflect on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Reduced Inequalities.
One of the pieces from this series is Mauvaise graine (Bad seed) which portrays a young Black person with their eyes closed, curled up in a fetal position. It’s as if they are floating against the painting’s bright blue background, their weight being fully carried by what appear to be two large Calathea leaves.
The piece’s title, Mauvaise graine (Bad seed) however, may just be a reference to a 1934 French action film of the same title. The film, directed by Billy Wilder, follows a car thief who attempts to get his girlfriend and her brother out of a life defined by crime.
With this context in mind, Manocki’s piece speaks about harmful stereotypes forced on Black youth, labeling them as criminal and leading to high rates of often life-threatening racial profiling.
In the piece, the plant lifts the youth away from all their troubles. With their eyes closed they are serene, existing in a womb-like state where they are uninterrupted by any sort of societal labels and expectations. Within Biernacki’s painting, they are powerful and at peace.
Another piece within the series is Serene Blossoms. Here, the same youth is seen stooping, holding close a bouquet of flowers and leaves against a bright orange background. Despite its title, which refers to serenity and peacefulness, this piece feels like an affront to the senses. It does not deliver a calming atmosphere the same way Mauvaise graine (Bad seed) does; instead, it’s screaming at the audience. Asking, even begging, to be acknowledged.
Despite not knowing what plant the youth is holding, it can be inferred that again, what they are holding onto is a symbol of life and perseverance. It represents constant growth, even after being uprooted.
Biernacki is a powerful visual storyteller who invites viewers to better understand the violence and constraints that whiteness and racism place on Black youth. This prompts people to confront their own societal biases and embrace a more inclusive understanding of Black youth’s experiences.
You can find out more about Manon Biernacki by following their instagram @manocki.