Unraveling the Story of Cotton

Cotton isn’t just a fabric; it’s a symbol deeply woven into America’s history and the lives of Black people. This project explores the dual nature of cotton, reflecting both its beauty and its dark past. The raw cotton’s ability to stir diverse emotions—from admiration to sorrow—led me to dive deeper. My multimedia approach combines denim, Discharge, and silkscreen techniques with evocative photography and immersive installation pieces, highlighting cotton’s elegance and the harsh exploitation it represents. The story of American cotton is also intertwined with global connections. European figures like Richard Arkwright and Samuel Greg revolutionized textile manufacturing, while trading companies such as the East India Company and global merchants from France and the Netherlands played crucial roles in expanding the cotton trade. The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney further fueled this industry, amplifying both its growth and its impact. Through this project, I aim to spark reflection and dialogue about how this seemingly simple plant drove immense wealth and suffering, and to foster a deeper understanding of America’s complex legacy.