Representation is very important.

How do you battle stereotypes? How about with spray paint. That’s what local artist Roshi K. does all around Austin, covering walls with what community members have called “beautiful Brown goddesses.”

“One thing that I always saw in art history were the same white features. At the end of the day, what I really try to do is just oppose the European standard for ‘this is what is beautiful.’”

The roots of East Austin are strongly tied to the people of color who used to predominantly make up the neighborhood. Roshi’s murals in this part of town not only provide joyful pops of color, but also serve as a reminder to locals that there’s still Brown in the area.

“To me, it’s kind of throwing my voice into the pop culture pot, showcasing characters that are not the stereotypes or the tropes. I think it is exponentially valuable to have channels like KLRU to introduce a diverse group of artists and musicians and performing artists to the next generation of children. I think a show like Arts In Context is important just for that.”

Roshi has lived across the United States, on both coasts, and Hawaii, and her broad influences come across in her fanciful, contemporary pieces. From a young age, doodles and sketches filled her school notebooks, and when she realized people were excited about her art, Roshi knew she had a talent worth embracing. And now she shares her gift every day with strangers who pass by her painted walls.

“I think that art can connect us to our neighbors. I think it gives you something to maybe even talk about. At the very least, it gives someone a reason to smile.”

~~~

Interested in checking out more art in Central Texas? Watch an array of creatives on Austin PBS's locally produced Arts In Context. You can also hear more from Roshi in her own AIC episode “Today, I Gave The World A Flower.”