Build or Destroy, 2021
Single-channel video with sound
Total run time: 05:30, dimensions variable
To view this video in its entirety or to request more info contact Rashaad Newsome Studio
Build or Destroy is a cinematic exploration of identity, resistance, and the transformative power of community. In this film, a bejeweled figure in flames vogues to an original soundtrack featuring Kevin JZ Prodigy and Kyron El, embodying the resilience and strength of Black fem bodies. This figure, an amalgamation of many, symbolizes the collective power and importance of community as a form of resistance.
The architectural references on the figure’s chest are a poignant reminder of the significance of non-binary individuals as architects of their own identities. This is an allegory for the process of building oneself in a world where such selves often do not have a pre-existing template. However, the trans experience transcends merely reconfiguring the body; it challenges the notion that the body is the central locus of identity. The body is one structure that one might choose to design, but other structures, both physical and mental, may require destruction to pave the way for true self-expression.
As the fictional cityscape is engulfed in flames, it becomes evident that the figure’s dance is the catalyst for this blaze. This dance of liberation signifies the destruction of oppressive structures that deny bodily autonomy. The fire consuming the city represents a cleansing force, making way for new possibilities and the reconstruction of identity on one’s own terms.
The diamond between the figure’s thighs is a deliberate reference to Maya Angelou’s powerful poem “Still I Rise.” The line, “Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise that I dance like I’ve got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs?” resonates deeply within the film. Inside this diamond, a cohort of iconic Black trans women from the NYC ballroom scene engage in a vogue fem cypher, infusing the figure with affirming energy. This cypher symbolizes the communal support and empowerment that are crucial for dismantling both external and internal barriers to experiencing the full wingspan of one’s humanity.
Build or Destroy is more than a film; it is a visual manifesto of liberation and self-empowerment. It challenges viewers to consider the structures in their own lives and minds that may need to be reimagined or demolished to achieve true freedom. Through the interplay of dance, fire, and architectural symbolism, this film celebrates the enduring spirit of resistance and the ongoing journey of self-creation.
