Carrie Mae Weems

Considered one of the most influential contemporary artists in her generation, Carrie Mae Weems (b. 1953) explores issues of race, class, and gender identity. Primarily workin gin photography and video, Weems has remarked that activism is a central concern of her practice - specifically, looking at history as a way of better understanding the present. "Photography can be used as a powerful weapon toward instituting political an dcultural change," she has said. "I for one will continue to work toward this end."

Steeped in African American History, Weems' work is deeply engaged in storytelling - from her earliest series of autobiographical family portraits to her broader exploration of African American cultural identity, including the exploration of slavery, Africa, and teh appropiration of historical ethnographical images. Her work also considers power structures in Western history, art history, and architecture. Weem's use of props as installation elements in her photographs accentuates her interest in stories, folklore, and drama: an installation becomes a stage set and her practice is like that of a director.