Meet SheROCKS 2026 Artist: Avanna Duff

Avanna Duff reflects on Girlhood, a deeply personal body of work shaped by loss, self-inquiry, and the ongoing process of becoming. After losing her mother at 19, Avanna found herself suspended in emotional limbo, navigating early adulthood while searching for clarity, purpose, and identity. Through abstraction, she revisits her girlhood as both a site of healing and reclamation, using layered forms and intuitive gestures to explore identity as fluid, non-linear, and ever-evolving.

Q: Your most recent project “Girlhood” traces the inner shifts that shape womanhood. What was the first spark or moment that made you realize this was the story you needed to tell now?

Avanna: "Girlhood" represents a transformative journey of self-discovery and introspection, marking a turning point in my life. The sudden loss of my mother at 19 left a profound impact, causing me to feel stuck in a state of emotional limbo. As I navigate my early twenties, I've grappled with the challenge of rediscovering my identity and redefining my life's trajectory. Through revisiting my girlhood, I've been able to reconnect with my inner self, confronting the confusion and disillusionment that followed adolescence. This exploration has become a cathartic release, allowing me to reclaim my narrative and envision the woman I aspire to be. "Girlhood" is an invitation for others, particularly Black women, to reflect on their own stories, reclaim their voices, and embody their true selves.

Q: How did creating “Girlhood” challenge or expand the way you think about identity formation?

Avanna: For me, identity is a multifaceted construct shaped by internal reflections and external experiences, rendering it a dynamic and ever-evolving concept. Through my artistic practice, I've come to understand that identity formation is a non-linear, continuous process, with layers of meaning waiting to be uncovered. Unlike representational art, which can be readily understood, through abstraction my approach invites viewers to engage with the work on multiple levels, revealing new insights and perspectives. This layered narrative allows for a deeper exploration of the self, acknowledging that identity is a complex, ongoing conversation.

Q: This series speaks to the turbulence and beauty of becoming. Which piece in the, "Girlhood" collection feels the most personal to you, and why?

Avanna: A Tale Between Two Cities' is the piece that feels most personal to me in the 'Girlhood' collection. This work represents a pivotal chapter in my journey of self-discovery and artistic growth, capturing the turbulence and beauty of becoming. The decision to leave Atlanta and pursue my education in Buffalo, New York, was a deliberate choice to challenge myself and cultivate inner peace. Through this experience, I navigated the complexities of independence, confronting the pressures of solitude and the process of self-discovery.

This piece is a testament to the resilience and adaptability that have defined my path, as I strive to embody the best version of myself, both as an artist and an individual. It's a reflection of my journey, with all its triumphs and struggles, and serves as a reminder that becoming is a continuous process, often accompanied by uncertainty and self-doubt.

Q: You’ve shown work in celebrated spaces from Atlanta to New York. How have those artistic communities influenced your evolution as an artist?

Avanna: The artistic communities I've had the privilege of being a part of, from Atlanta to New York, have been instrumental in shaping my growth as an artist. Specifically, my time in Buffalo and Atlanta has been transformative. Buffalo taught me the value of community and the importance of connection, while Atlanta has reminded me of the power of roots and heritage.

This interplay between the two cities has been a catalyst for my evolution as an artist. Being in Buffalo allowed me to tap into a sense of resilience and determination, while Atlanta has grounded me in my identity and purpose. The contrast between these two environments has enabled me to synthesize my experiences and distill my artistic voice.

Through this journey, I've come to realize that my purpose is not tied to a specific location, but rather it's a culmination of the connections I've made and the lessons I've learned along the way. The artistic communities I've been a part of have instilled in me a sense of belonging and validation, allowing me to push boundaries and explore new creative territories. As I continue to grow and evolve, I'm grateful for the lessons and love that these communities have shared with me.

Q: Themes of empowerment and feminine strength appear often in your exhibitions. How do you approach expressing vulnerability without diminishing power?

Avanna: Embracing vulnerability is a fundamental aspect of my artistic practice, particularly when exploring themes of empowerment and feminine strength. For me, vulnerability is not a weakness, but a profound expression of strength that underscores the complexities of womanhood. It's about acknowledging the multifaceted nature of our experiences, and recognizing that our stories are both personal and universal.

Through my work, I strive to create a space where authenticity and honesty converge, allowing others to reflect on their own vulnerabilities and recognize that they are not alone. I believe that divine femininity is embodied in the diverse shapes, forms, bodies, curves, and lines that make up our world, and it's this diversity that gives us the power to redefine what it means to be a woman.By celebrating this diversity, I aim to contribute to a broader conversation that honors the full spectrum of feminine experience, acknowledging the vulnerability and strength that coexist within us. My goal is to create work that not only empowers, but also inspires empathy, understanding, and connection – ultimately, to create a sense of belonging that transcends individual stories.

Q: Many viewers see their own stories in your work. What role does audience interpretation play when you’re deciding how much of yourself to reveal in a piece?

Avanna: Audience interpretation plays a significant role in my creative process. I believe that art is a conversation between the artist and the viewer, and I'm drawn in by the mystery of knowing that people will bring their own experiences and perspectives to my work.When deciding how much of myself to reveal in a piece, I consider the balance between sharing my own story and creating space for others to insert their own narratives. I want my work to be relatable, yet open-ended, allowing viewers to find their own meaning and connection to the piece.I think it's beautiful when people see their own stories in my work, even if that's not exactly what I intended. It means that the piece has transcended its original context and become a part of their own narrative. In a way, it's a form of shared ownership – I'm sharing my story, and they're sharing theirs, and together we create a new understanding.Ultimately, my goal is to create work that resonates with others, and if that means revealing certain aspects of myself, I'm willing to be vulnerable in the service of connection. As an artist, I'm not just telling my own story; I'm creating a space for others to tell theirs.

Q: Your art steers avant-garde. What does “pushing the boundaries” look like for you as you continue to define your signature style as a visual artist?

Avanna: Pushing the boundaries means embracing vulnerability and risk-taking, allowing myself to be open and honest in my work, even if it makes me uncomfortable. It's about trusting my instincts and intuition, and being willing to fail or create something that doesn't quite work.I'm driven to transcend traditional notions of abstract art, redefining its meaning and representation in my generation. I'm committed to contributing to a legacy that builds upon the past, learning from it, and forging a path forward. My goal is to create art that sparks conversation, challenges assumptions, and inspires new perspectives – not just for my own growth, but for the artists who come after me.By pushing the boundaries, I'm staying true to my vision and staying excited about the creative journey ahead.

Rapid Fire: A color that instantly feels like “girlhood” to you — go!

Avanna: purple! :)

Q: What are you most excited for people to experience when they encounter your work at SheROCKS in March?

Avanna: I'm thrilled to be showcasing my collection at SheROCKS, and I'm confident that this event will be a pivotal moment in connecting with my peers and furthering the narrative of my art. I'm excited to share my work and be part of a community that celebrates women in visual and performing arts.

This event represents a significant opportunity for me to contribute to the conversation around identity, culture, and social justice, and I'm eager to hear the stories and perspectives of others. I'm looking forward to the connections and collaborations that will emerge from this experience, and I'm honored to be part of a movement that empowers women and amplifies their voices.

‍

‍