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Artist's 2,000 Porcelain Black Figurines Tell Daily Life Stories
5 May
Summary
- Halsey has collected over 2,000 porcelain Black figurines over two decades.
- The figurines depict everyday scenes like church, park activities, and domestic life.
- These humble objects hold deep personal meaning and memories for the artist.

Over the past 20 years, artist Lauren Halsey has curated a remarkable collection of over 2,000 porcelain Black figurines. These statuettes, often found in discount stores, capture ordinary moments, from Black individuals singing in church to playing in parks or engaging in daily activities.
Halsey, an artist known for her Afrofuturist installations, draws inspiration from her upbringing in South Central Los Angeles. These figurines, similar to those her mother and grandmother displayed, serve as a profound personal touchstone. They evoke specific memories and resonate with her life and the lives of many others.
Her collection began in 2006 and includes diverse scenes, with many depicting church gatherings and domestic life. While she once incorporated them into her architectural studies and MFA work, Halsey now primarily reserves them for her personal collection, cherishing their emotional and artistic value.