Gold Was Made Fa’ Her

The documentation of these women in the landscape of their homes explores the need to transform personal space into an altar that enshrines memory. Bria’s photography honors the power to reclaim sovereignty within a sense of one’s belonging and connection to the land. Rooted in the intention to normalize glory in the everyday expressions of Black women, this body of work is a tribute to her own mother, Mama Peaches, whose sacrifices laid the foundation for pride and healing within Bria’s upbringing in 3rd Ward.

Gold in this context becomes a metaphor for being resourceful and claiming ownership of home as a place of safety and acceptance. The spirit of this work calls out to the women who buy their gold from King’s Flea Market, wearing it as armor of protection and statements of their value. For the matriarchs who carried families on their backs, using the book of Psalms as a reminder that trouble don’t last always. These women transmute suffering into survival, pain into prosperity, and lack into sustainability. Roses will forever bloom in honor of their narratives.

Gold Was Made Fa’ Her is curated by Rebecca Matalon, Curator, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and accompanied by a series of public programs.

This exhibition is made possible with the support from The Idea Fund and funded in part by The City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance