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Muse Dodd – Reclaiming Black Identity through Remembering

artist Muse Dodd gazes into the camera with cow skin background
Muse Dodd is a multidisciplinary artist, curator and DJ whose work reclaims black queer experience through an act of remembering, exploring what hurts and what needs healing. Working between mediums of music, video, photography, movement, ritual, conversation and an overall way of life, Muse all the while forges an unapologetic path for those who are marginalized. In the video Wavesss, shown below, Muse uses their body to explore a ritual of self-care, challenging expected norms and acknowledging that gender is fluid. The Instagram posts that follow provide the flavor and vibe that Muse offers online. 

I feel like having more eyes on my stuff doesn't make me feel protected, it doesn't make me feel empowered. If people are going to engage, I want them to support me in ways that honor myself and my autonomy.

Muse Dodd

Muse became a Corrina Mehiel Fellow in 2020, while the world was contending with a widespread pandemic. In this environment, S.O.U.R.C.E. leaned into our approach of flexibility, care, and connection and let Muse guide the adaptation of the retreat portion of the Fellowship based on their needs. Through a partnership with S.O.U.R.C.E., Muse was hosted for a 3-week residency at the Hambidge Center in rural Georgia in fall 2020. There, Muse stayed in a cabin in the forest without internet connectivity and had space to reflect on their own needs for their artistic practice. In this time, Muse took time for self-care, and being cared for, all the while manifesting the creative space they want to be in. Below is a meditation on their stay.

My intention when I create work is always for the black gaze.

Muse Dodd
Muse has long been vocal regarding the extraction of black culture in this country and is navigating a way to do what they love while at the same time charting a path about how they interact with a predominantly white system. In the audio recording below, Muse unpacks their approach and intention in that respect. Audio tracks edited by Muse Dodd. 


When asked what they are excited about and what they are looking forward to, Muse offered up the following reflection. 

I want people who are on the same page as me...I want someone that will actively support what I'm trying to build and what I'm trying to make, and also support mutual aid funds that care for myself and for other Black Queer folks.

Muse Dodd

Muse creates with a tenderness, joy and care in their work and brings a generous spirit throughout their practices that makes them an important voice in our collective evolution. You can follow Muse on their Instagram, and support Muse on their Patreon page to get access to playlists, performances, monthly tutorials, and more. Their prints can be accessed here.

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jenjoyroybal
Written and compiled by JenJoy Roybal in collaboration with S.O.U.R.C.E and Muse Dodd. JenJoy Roybal is an artist, writer, editor and digital content creator.

MORE RESOURCES
In their interview Muse mentioned several Instagram accounts they follow that have helped them understand the importance of boundaries as part of online creation.

Mirrored Love

Fat Black Clit

The Nap Ministry