black women are worthy is an immersive art experience that explores conceptual design and visual art as a healing mechanism for celebrating and affirming black women. through an intersection of art, beauty and wellness, creative wellness visionary, deun ivory reimagines the world as a safe and empowering space for those who are often neglected, forgotten and underserved. this pop-up installation is a fundraising activation that filters a portion of its funds to wellness-based nonprofits that serve black and brown communities.
the black women are worthy (bwaw) experience debuted in houston, texas during black history month 2022 in partnership with lululemon. ivory was personally invited to create a project centered around wellbeing for the black community. as a creative wellness visionary and multidisciplinary artist, she was inspired to curate and design an IRL immersive experience that centered, celebrated and empowered black women.
the bwaw installation was extended for an additional 4 weeks after it’s original 2 week timeline, due to an overwhelming public appeal and surge in visitation to the space that hosted the exhibit. over 1200+ people RSVP’d for opening night and over 4,000 people toured the space during the 6 week opening.
patrons are invited to engage in a civic art design that requires self-reflection, self-celebration and self-love. ivory’s seamless integration of affirmations and visual love letters are instrumental in activating social engagement, as it compels community members to insert themselves into a narrative that is warm, empowering and restorative.
every art piece is designed, photographed and creative directed by deun ivory. it is a multi-layered experience rooted in a commitment to honor and affirm black women from any & every generation.
what are the experiential elements in the space: a physical installation, a photo gallery, a series of short-film screenings, projection mapping, vinyl based affirmations, set designs for photoshoots.