Adraint Khadafhi Bereal, an artist with a unique blend of skills and techniques, is challenging the traditional image of black collegiate life. Utilizing media tools like painting, sculpture, and digital art, Bereal brings to life the diverse experiences of Black students in higher education across the US. He shines a light on the African American academic journey, featuring stories of resilience, successes, struggles, and disparities.
Bereal closely interacts with individuals who have lived through these experiences, encapsulating their personal narratives in his work. He presents an honest picture filled with achievements, joy, and the unseen battles against racial bias. Bereal’s artistry provides a platform for student voices, fostering dialogue and deepening the understanding of black collegiate life.
The artist’s work is a sensory journey, stimulating the intellect while connecting with the heart. It showcases that the significance of black history in American higher education extends beyond numbers. Bereal hopes his work can inspire and educate future generations about the importance of diversity and inclusion in academia.
Bereal breaks away from portraying Black art and literature as mere ‘Black versions’ of a conventional ‘white’ narrative. His artworks explore the unique experiences of the African-American community, creating a standalone narrative. Bereal’s artistry serves as a powerful reminder that African-American art and literature exist to solidify and amplify their individual and collective voices.
Bereal’s initiative took off during his time at the University of Texas, where he noted a stark lack of Black representation – only 1.7 percent. He began documenting the unique narratives of these students and steadily expanded his mission to include various colleges across the country.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating racial conflicts, Bereal’s work gained increased significance. What began as a project of curiosity turned into a crucial effort to chronicle the complex Black narrative amidst a worldwide crisis. His work now provides a stark reflection of society’s disparities and biases, illustrating the urgent need for his contributions.
From a young photography enthusiast in Waco, Texas, Bereal began taking art seriously during his university years. In 2020, he partnered with a major publishing platform, receiving guidance on managing creative rights and the publishing domain. Bereal’s collaboration expanded his audience and solidified his position in the photography industry.
With help from a skilled designer, Bereal has amassed a diverse collection of black-and-white photographs, handwritten letters, scrapbook materials, and more. Bereal also included audio-visual elements like recorded interviews and lectures, fully capturing the Black college experience. His innovative methods and attention to authenticity reinforce the project’s holistic representation of the dynamic Black college journey.
