Our Queen by Bethlehem Temesgen, @okaybehts

Somehow, in the midst of a pandemic, we have also found ourselves chest deep in one of the most politically fired-up climates ever. A lot of what’s happening can feel like it’s over our heads and not because of a lack of understanding. Simply put, it’s a bit overwhelming to be abreast of it all, to act on it, to preserve and restore our energy to strategize against it. Thankfully, outlets like socially distant interactions, videochatting with friends and family, eating our favorite foods and watching our favorite movies, in addition to a very needed art boom, are saving us. When it comes to the intersection between activism and art, more specifically between art and politics, Bethlehem Temesgen, 18, believes that people are more receptive of political messaging if it’s delivered in the form of art.

Think about political cartoons or any cartoon for that matter. All of us can think back and recall a memory of the first time that we noticed art was being used to convey a politically-charged message. And now, artists like Betty are using these same tactics to their and our advantage - to keep us uplifted, informed and aware of their perspectives/talent. I found Betty’s art on Instagram, where she started showcasing her work about a year ago after being encouraged by friends at school. There’s an honesty and a hopefulness that radiates from Betty’s art and, below, she shares how her approach is both timely and imaginative.

When did you start creating art and why?

I got started a year ago. Used to do drawings for people around school and they suggested that I put it on social media.

What topics or elements do you try to incorporate into your art? (I.e. politics, pop culture, etc.)?

I feel like, as a black girl, I really don't have a choice, but to be involved in politics. It affects my everyday life. In Seattle, my neighborhood and school aren't diverse. People don't care about what I care about, but they are more accepting when it's art. People that don't usually get involved might - if it's done a certain way. I help people get involved in a way that's not as intense.

A lot of your pieces create conversation about beauty standards and body positivity. Can you tell me what inspired you to tackle these topics.

Because it empowers people. I’m so over the media making women think that their bodies are seasonal accessories. Who normalized that body type? Why is that normal? Women are so much more than their bodies and what they look like. Beauty standards come from closeness to whiteness. Why are we thriving off of that validation? It was never built for us - it was meant to put us down. If your nose is too big, or if you don't have loose curls, if you have light eyes - we should never value ourselves based on that. Even when it comes to stretch marks, it's not a bad thing - we've just been taught that. I have stretch marks and I’m yellow and they're pink so you can see then from a mile away. I used to be subconscious about them and not have fun because of them. Now, looking back, I think that was stupid. It's just skin stretching - an additional decoration.

You created a piece featuring a Black woman as the statue of liberty. Tell me more about that.

I love empowering people through my art. I love when they read the caption and are able to relate to it. As a black person, you see certain parts of history or the law and you're like “that doesn't really do that for us”. It’s like the people that say “make America great again”, that's because they can afford to say that. The statue of liberty was supposed to stand for the liberty of the people and it's not true, it's not true at all. You almost chuckle, because it stands for the liberty of a certain group of people. So, my piece, it represents justice for all people.

Another one of your piece’s that I love is the Black, Rosie the Riveter as a woman in medicine. Tell me what about our climate prompted you to create this piece with the details that you incorporated.

We don't see many art pieces from white artists that depict black women as multidimensional because we aren’t seen that way. If we're angry, then we're just that and nothing else. We can't be doctors and be angry. Black girls can be a lot of things at once. Anger can’t stop you from being whatever you want. This world will try to stop you from having a normal, human emotion and it's crazy to me.

Last, but certainly not least, you have a piece with a black woman brushing her baby hairs with a toothbrush. Why was it important to you to capture this element of Black culture.

I just wanted to share. I know it's funny too, but it was great to have people come into my comments and confirm their experience. And then they gave me tips about having one in my bathroom and one in my room. It's a whole different other connection. It's a sacred thing that only black women get. At first, I wondered if people were gonna be like this girl is weird, but I'm glad people found it relatable.

It’s clear that representation is important to you. Tell me why you think it’s important to highlight race, social justice and other timely topics in your work.

Representation is a big thing. If people were represented better on social media, by media, on TV then we wouldn't be facing the things that we’re facing now. Because it's the way that the media allows for Black people to be perceived that allows people to see us as threats. I don't have that big of a platform so even if one person comes across my feed and feels understood and empowered by it, that is such a big thing for me; that's all I hope for right now.

You’re obviously talented and passionate. What do you want to do after you graduate from high school?

I want to be an orthopedic surgeon. I want to do something with art too - I don't think I would be fully happy if i didn't go to med school and I may take breaks from art but I’ll never fully stop it forever.

Favorite Food: Avocado Toast

Favorite Genre of Music: R&B

Favorite Artist/Band: Lauryn Hill

Favorite Artist: @rikleeillustration

Favorite Program (through which you create your art): Sketchbook

Favorite Colors to use: Earthtones

Favorite Inner/Outer Feature: Creativity/Eyes

Favorite Item that you incorporate into your daily looks, special looks, going out, around the house: I live in leggings!

Art & Activism 001 - @okaybehts