Reality television is a familiar presence in our lives—whether we watch it intentionally or encounter it passively, its influence is hard to ignore. As a widely consumed and culturally embedded form of media, reality TV doesn't just reflect society; it actively shapes how we see ourselves and others. The genre often reduces complex identities into simplistic narratives, reinforcing harmful cultural and racial stereotypes, particularly about Black identities.

This exhibition brings together artists who respond to these mediated distortions through painting, video, and installation, reclaiming space for authentic self-expression. While I approach this subject as a non-Black curator working within media studies, this research feels deeply important—both as a critical reflection on dominant narratives and a necessary expansion of how identity is represented and understood.