Intimacy Centers in Nia Winslow’s Nostalgic Paper Collages Highlighting Black Experiences

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Intimacy Centers in Nia Winslow’s Nostalgic Paper Collages Highlighting Black Experiences

From torn pieces of paper, Nia Winslow constructs vibrant scenes that evoke togetherness and nostalgia, often harkening back to the mid-20th century. The Brooklyn-based artist taught herself to create mixed-media collages using paper adhered to wood panels, which draw on narratives, moods, and memories.

Winslow predominantly focuses on the African diaspora, tracing stories of the lives of Black individuals in America. Through collages made with a variety of textures, cuttings, and clippings, she illuminates young people playing outdoors, sitting with their parents, and spending time with one another.

a paper collage of two young Black figures standing next to one another in a school hallway
“Steady” (2025), paper collage on birchwood panel, 40 x 30 inches

The artist enjoys combining her passion for style with storytelling. She draws inspiration from artists like Romare Bearden, Kerry James Marshall, Faith Ringgold, and Jacob Lawrence, often portraying Black figures during everyday activities and in informal, leisurely settings.

“Mundane or complex, each piece is created to capture the essence of life through the lens of someone who experiences it,” she says in a statement. Cars, urban architecture, garments, and hairstyles emerge in vivid, intimate portraits of community, support, and self-love.

Winslow’s work “Steady” will be on view at Affordable Art Fair from March 19 to 23 in New York City, presented by SHEER. Find more on the artist’s website and Instagram.

a paper collage of two young Black girls with braided hair featuring lots of barrettes and adornments
“Secret Keeper” (2023), paper collage, 24 x 36 inches
a paper collage of a Black mother, wearing a blue scarf over her head like Mary, holding her baby
“Muvah” (2022), paper collage, 40 x 30 inches
a paper collage of two Black men standing in front of a vintage car on the side of the road
“License to Loiter” (2021), paper collage on birchwood, 24 x 36 inches
a paper collage of a mother and daughter sitting at the dining table beneath a large pendant lamp
“Muvah & Me” (2024), paper collage on birchwood panel, 30 x 24 inches
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“The Fainting Couch” (2022), mixed media paper collage on birchwood panel, 24 x 36 inches
a paper collage of a pair of well-dressed Black figures standing side by side, facing the viewer
“We Real Cool” (2024), paper collage on birchwood panel, 40 x 30 inches

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