Cleveland Institute of Art
Threaded Roots, 2025, conté crayon on toned paper, 22.7 x 15 inches
My work is rooted in a Black American perspective, shaped by how I emotionally and intellectually engage with the world. Through figures, landscapes, and animals, I tell stories of triumph and resilience. Motifs inspired by Black American heritage quilts and West African textiles symbolize a severed yet enduring connection to ancestral roots, embodying pride and creativity passed through generations. My practice is a way to reclaim agency, build confidence, and navigate the world as a person of Afrocentric descent.
Instagram | @ashton.l.burton
Website | www.ashton-burton-gallery.com