SEEME is the pioneer for the continuous Grillz series that normalizes grill culture and celebrates black expression. Entertainment has a huge influence on how people live in the world, what they think and what they say. Since the beginning of shows, plays, and newspapers there has been many stereotypes that form the perception of how people of color are seen. When slaves started to become freed the media wanted to portray black people as animals, that deserve to be tamed. This still continues today but it is not ass obvious. Instead of the outward black face, the media portrays black people as thugs, gangsters, drug addicts, etc. The negative vision is still there.  One specific stereotype I found was the idea of grillz. The misperception of grillz is that they are worn b those who are from "the hood", sell drugs, and do something displeasing to those who are more privileged. However grillz are simply just tooth jewelry ,like how earrings and necklaces exists as forms of jewelry. SEEME wants you to pay attention to his insides rather than his outward appearance. He is celebrating the jewelry in his teeth. He Is showing off his culture.


From there, I started creating works the were birth from the idea of SEEME and Grill culture. I wanted to change is definition of how we see grillz, and their stereotype.  I wanted to make black figures (some inspired by real people) and the parraell between grillz and self acceptance by turning the stereotype into a celebration.