I Do It For The HOOD is an intimate and powerful tribute from artist Antoinette Cauley to her community in Phoenix through a series of paintings and drawings. As a third generation South Phoenecian who is now living and working in Berlin, Germany, this exhibition delves into the intersection between the impact of her career and the lives of Black Phoenicians through a captivating collection of portraits, including some of Antoinette's own family members

A note from the artist, Antoinette Cauley…

My great grandfather laid the foundation for my family when he purchased a plot of land in the early 1900’s in South Phoenix, the part of town that Black Phoenecians were segregated to until the 1970’s. He then took that land and divided it among his seven children. My grandmother still lives in her South Phoenix home (built by her late husband) on the land her father gave her. As a third generation South Phoenecian, my roots run deep. 

My city as a whole means so much to me for a multitude of reasons. Without their support, I would not be where I am today. With every move I make (including moving to Germany), I always keep in mind the foundation and groundwork I am laying for those who come from where I come from and who look like me. I think about the representation I did not have growing up and know that it is now my responsibility to be the example for so many who will come after me. 

So, I decided to pay a clear tribute to my hood with this next body of work as a reminder of who exactly I do everything I do for. It is a message to my community of their power and the possibilities of life. It is also a reminder to myself for those times when I feel lost or unsure- I know I can always bring it back home.  

While this body of work is a tribute to my hood, my family and the Black community in South Phoenix, this collection is really a tribute to all of the hoods throughout the United States and the beauty they have created through their adversities and despite the beating down of systemic racism and violent colonization they have endured. 

From my Hood to yours, I do it for You.

With love,

Antoinette