Sean-Kierre Lyons

In Mmhhmm, Sean Kierre Lyons’ hand sewn figures, living in their pleasant room-sized universe, recoup the characters and context of Black identity in America. Leveraging exuberant humor and iconic Black folklore to address ideas of exclusivity, ownership, group identity, and oral traditions, Lyons examines these figures’ cultural influence from their genesis in the plantation-era South to their modern day manifestations.

Additionally, Lyons released a pair of ready to wear garments: I’m Trying My Best To Please You and I Hope I’ve Made You Happy. Prodding at the commercialization of identity, peddled by corporations through the facade of empowerment and inclusion, Lyons examines their dependance on the seemingly supply-less legion of tastemakers and public figures who serve as conduits for continuous stream of advertising. Presented as a “three way, two piece” partnership with fictional collaborators Proda and Gucchy, the drop of the collection coincides with Mmhhmm, and is a natural expansion of the artist’s practice.

Mmhhmm: A Poem by Precious Okoyomon

A black flower

Blooms in another dimension

Small songs of refusal

Looking right at the sun

This song might be about you

Or someone you know

Touch this

sweetness of the scene we share

Now put your hand on your hips and let your backbone slip

Into the black flower forest

The air flew in the room then back again

La de da di la dee dum

Mhmmmmmmmmmmm