Brooklyn Bids Farewell to Nona Faustine, Trailblazing Artist

News Summary

The art world mourns the loss of Nona Faustine, a renowned artist and photographer known for her powerful self-portraiture and exploration of identity and trauma. Faustine passed away at 48 after a five-year battle with cancer. Her work brought visibility to the experiences of Black women, particularly through her acclaimed ‘White Shoes’ series. Faustine’s impact will continue to inspire future generations as her art resonates with themes of history and representation.

Brooklyn Bids Farewell to Renowned Artist Nona Faustine

Brooklyn, New York – The art world is mourning the loss of Nona Faustine, a remarkable artist and photographer who made waves with her thought-provoking work. Faustine passed away on March 20, 2025, at the young age of 48 after a five-year battle with cancer, as confirmed by her gallery, Higher Pictures, located right in Brooklyn.

Raised in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, Faustine was an artist deeply connected to her roots. Born in 1977, she dedicated her life to exploring themes of identity, history, trauma, lineage, and representation. Her works, particularly her self-portraiture, have shone a spotlight on the lives of Black women, giving visibility to experiences that are often overlooked in the mainstream narrative.

A Singular Force

Nona was more than just an artist; she was a mother and a fierce advocate for representation. Her sister spoke of her as a “singular force of nature,” highlighting Faustine’s powerful identity as both a nurturing figure and a groundbreaking artist. With her lens, she captured the profound complexities of Black womanhood, unearthing stories filled with both joy and sorrow.

The Iconic ‘White Shoes’ Series

Perhaps one of Faustine’s most significant works is the ‘White Shoes’ series, a stunning blend of self-portraiture and landscape photography. In this series, she poses at historical sites in New York that are heavy with the legacy of enslavement. This includes burial grounds, the historic Lefferts House, which housed enslaved people, and Wall Street, a location famously known for its past as a slave auction site.

In many of these powerful images, Faustine is depicted nude or partially clothed, wearing striking white pumps as a poignant metaphor for the oppression experienced by Black and Indigenous peoples throughout history. The symbolism in her work invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s past.

Her Impact on Exhibitions

In 2024, Faustine received critical acclaim with her first solo museum exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. This fascinating exhibit showcased over 40 works from the ‘White Shoes’ series, aimed at unearthing the hidden traumas tied to well-known locations around New York. It served as a stark reminder of the city’s complex history, challenging traditional narratives associated with iconic monuments like the Statue of Liberty and the Lincoln Memorial.

In her evocative series ‘My Country’, she reconfigured the view of nationally celebrated monuments, forcing viewers to reconsider the colonial perspectives they often take for granted. Her unique approach offered fresh insights into these historical landmarks, shedding light on narratives that have long been silenced.

A Legacy of Achievements

Faustine’s illustrious career garnered numerous accolades, including the coveted $25,000 Anonymous Was a Woman grant in 2019, and she was also a finalist in the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition that same year. Her artistic journey was further enriched by her participation in the Black Rock Senegal residency program, where she explored new facets of her art in the heart of West Africa.

Having graduated with a BFA in Photography from the School of Visual Arts in 1997, Faustine later earned her MFA from the International Center of Photography at Bard College in 2013. Throughout her career, she emphasized the significance of examining both the joy and sorrow found in Black women’s experiences, bringing a nuanced perspective to her work.

Final Moments and Remembering Nona Faustine

Just recently, she was awarded the Joseph H. Hazen Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome, and she was in residence in Italy at the time of her passing. Her family is now encouraging those who wish to honor her legacy to support them through the sale of limited-edition prints or contribute to the Nona Faustine Family Fund on GoFundMe.

As the art community comes together to celebrate Nona Faustine’s remarkable journey, her work will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. A profound loss, Faustine’s impact can still be felt in the powerful images and stories she left behind. Rest in peace, Nona.

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Additional Resources

• Culture Type
• ArtNews
• Hyperallergic
• The Cut
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Nona Faustine