My name is Jae.
I am an independent artist and researcher dedicated to cultivating spaces for BIPOC women, young people, and artists to express, explore, and empower themselves.
Labor Pains: Mapping Black Female Labor in the US is a groundbreaking project that gives voice to the often-unheard experiences of Black women in America. In this moment, the personal is political, and by amplifying the stories of Black women, we can inspire meaningful change.
About the Project
Labor Pains is a performance art installation critically examining American identity through the lived economic experiences of Black women. Utilizing body mapping, narratives, and performance, this project will visualize and articulate the impact of the U.S. economy on the physical and mental health of Black women, highlighting the intersection of race, gender, and economic forces. Site-specific performances at the Underground Railroad Education Center in Albany, NY, and at the West Oakland Mural Project in Oakland, CA (June 2026), will feature an original script derived from the project’s body mapping and narrative collection, honoring 250 years of Black women’s contributions to the American economy. Life-sized body maps displayed on semi-reflective glass will allow viewers to see their reflections superimposed on the images, creating a visceral connection to the women’s experiences. This immersive installation is enhanced with a site-specific performance of spirituals, folktales, and contemporary stories. Labor Pains creates a powerful space for empathy, reflection, and dialogue. It encourages audiences to consider the often-overlooked burdens and contributions of Black women within the American economic landscape. Labor Pains offers an innovative and timely response to contemporary dialogues surrounding inclusive American identity and ideology inviting a deeper understanding of the complexities of labor and economy in America.
Methodology
I combine deep historical research (body mapping figures like Phyllis Wheatley) with direct contemporary engagement via workshops and interviews with Black women in Albany and Oakland. Critically, the process itself is innovative and reparative. Rejecting how our stories have been historically hijacked for others’ gain, Labor Pains roots itself in authentic narrative through trauma-informed healing circles and creative safe spaces exclusively for Black women. Storytelling and body mapping are used to explore today’s economic and social impacts. Participants are also equipped with tools and resources to continue moving toward the freedom they envision for themselves.
This rich collection of stories informs the Labor Pains performance script and body map installation. The product is equally groundbreaking, taking the through lines of our collective stories and turning them outward to forge connection in this era of division and mistrust. It thoughtfully creates an immersive space for people of diverse backgrounds to connect through shared human experiences.
Locations
Research spans across the country with workshops and performances in Albany, NY, and Oakland, CA. Body maps and narratives will be displayed alongside performances at the Underground Railroad Education Center in Albany, NY and the West Oakland Mural Project in 2026.
Objectives
The project aims to:
- Foster dialogue on race, gender, and economic inequality.
- Develop a replicable workshop model for marginalized groups.
- Publish peer-reviewed research and spark policy reform.
Impact
Labor Pains merges art, research, and community engagement to address social inequalities, celebrate Black women’s contributions, and inspire long-term solutions.
