Debra Riffe
“I’m a native of Tupelo who now calls Birmingham, AL ”home.” I received my B.F.A. from
Howard University, College of Fine Arts in Washington, DC. I’ve traveled extensively and
lived in Barranquilla, Colombia, South America for five years. I’m a professional graphic
designer and I’ve worked in both the private and public sectors.
My linoleum block relief prints reflect my love for the South and all things southern.
The majority of my compositions depict singular, figurative images of African Americans
placed in rural settings of the American South. Individuals are represented at work or at
play performing everyday tasks in timeless, solitary, reflective moments; tasks which
represent concepts of social status and identity. I appreciate the ordinary and I try to
introduce a setting or an experience that will stir an emotion that the viewer can respond
to. At first glance, my figures appear to be anonymous. However, upon closer examination
one will quickly recognize an activity or a place long forgotten.”
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