We were lucky to catch up with Deyanna Denyse recently and have shared our conversation below.

Deyanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?

Timing is such a beautiful thing. I feel as though I am always on time, at all times. I used to wonder how far along I would have been if I started when I was 19. As I ground myself, I am reminded that 19-year-old version me decided to go to the military. That decision created a foundation and framework for my entire life. I started right on time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My Name is Deyanna Denyse and I am a Multidisciplinarian Artist. As a multidisciplinary artist, my work is centered on changing the narrative surrounding nudity in the African American diaspora. Through my art, I aim to challenge societal norms and expectations about the human form, particularly as it relates to people of color. By incorporating elements of performance, poetry, art installations, paintings, and visual art, my work seeks to celebrate the beauty and complexity of the naked form. I use my body as a vehicle for self-exploration, examining the body whilst channeling themes addressing intimacy, spiritual awakening, metaphysics, romance & femininity. All of my work is the personification of my life process, it’s the process that intrigues me more than the product itself. Through my artwork, I hope to inspire others to embrace their bodies and challenge the societal norms that seek to shame and silence them.

By reclaiming the naked form and challenging the dominant narratives that seek to control it, I hope to empower others to do the same.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a space where nudity is celebrated as a form of artistic expression and a tool for liberation. Through my multidisciplinary approach, I aim to change the way we think about nudity and to create a new narrative that uplifts and empowers all people.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe we can start by hiring the creative they found inspiration in. Too many times have I seen society and large brands mirror ideas they have seen and sourced out the idea to third-party vendors to create said idea instead of hiring the artist themselves. Creating more opportunities for creatives to thrive is essential in supporting artists. Funding would be ideal as well. I have seen plenty of Artists having difficulties finding grants that fit the niche that they are in, including myself.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My ‘why’ is rooted in the connotations surrounding nudity; shifting the idea of nudity and triggering the masses into higher levels of consciousness, I utilize many mediums to convey the messages such as poetry, short film, photography or performance art.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @deyanna.denyse
• Twitter: @musaeaque
• Youtube: @deyannadenyse

Image Credits
Gregory Prescott, Brian Childress, and Dan Katz