Artist Shauna Jones has always been a lover of storytelling through photos. “I was the photojournalist for the campus newspaper during my days on the yard,” she says. These days, she is using her skill to portray empowering and powerful parts of Black history and culture.
Back in January, Jones, who is a Florida A&M graduate and member of Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc., went viral with her colorful AI depictions of the Divine 9 sororities to commemorate their Founders Day. The emerging AI artist tells RoyalTee it was her organization that sparked the idea to create the vibrant depictions.
“Interestingly, I was inspired by my line [Fall 2001-Empyrean 40 of an Illustrious Tradition],” she says, referring to the boarding the train theme she used to create her #DSTExpress campaign. “During our probate show, and in the rain, we sang “Grab your ticket. Come get with it! DST Express, DST Express” I am happy that I could reimagine the concept 22 years later.”
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Shauna Jones captures the modern Black experience
From there she created campaigns for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Depending on its complexity and theme, one piece could take a few minutes to a few hours. Seeing her work shared across social media was a blissful moment.
“The imagery perfectly captured the essence of sisterhood and the celebration of Founders Day,” she remarked about the #DSTExpress project.
Other major pieces of work Jones has reimagined include AI depictions of Lizzo and Trevor Noah from the Grammys, Beyoncé Renaissance-inspired looks, and her ‘Fur, Flats and Hats’ campaign that pays homage to Jack and Jill of America.
Jones’ next major project is a #SisterhoodChic campaign that debuted at the end of last month and celebrates the elegance and modern flair of Black Greek letter sororities. The project also features designs by other fellow Black AI creators.
“I use AI to highlight the Black experience from an American/Canadian/Caribbean lens, and it allows me to explore and depict new experiences that have not been represented before, pushing beyond stereotypes and prejudices.”
