Anieya Cauthen

Delacreme Scholar Spotlight Class of 2021

By Bragard Kizenga 

What inspires you to make your art?

My practice is centered on conveying meaning, experiences, and feelings through the usage of various materials and mediums, such as drawing, painting, and video. My subject matter tends to assess the mundane, identity, mental health, time (as an idea), and the idea of projecting your thoughts, hopes, and dreams onto a space. Maintaining an archive of my personal experiences and documenting time and place has always been important to me. There is a sense of urgency to this act of remembering or not wanting to forget, as the moment something happens, you begin the process of forgetting. So wanting to remember. And for other people to remember.

What made you apply for the Delacreme Scholarship?

I applied for the scholarship because I was a college student who needed the money at the time. I received my scholarship literally RIGHT before the pandemic hit. All my jobs were through the university. When things shut down, I was shut down for a minute too. In a way, the scholarship ended up being a stimulus check before the government even discussed it. It’s kinda of poetic if you think about it.

Your dream viewing of your art?

In photo books. In a lot of archives (public, private, and personal). Just existing where it needs to.

What would be your advice for future scholars?

It’s ok to have a bunch of unfinished projects as long as you circle back from time to time while also working on the big thing. All the “little” things help with the construction of the big thing. Also, do what you can. Don’t overexert yourself. (No, I’m not tryna be deep y’all I just been in school, y’all <3)