Gabi Thorne

“It’s a chance to show that we as Black people can pretend to be whoever we want, too.”

“Black dancers don’t get a lot of opportunity to succeed because people don’t believe we exist in this art form,” says the Brazilian-born ballerina. But she’s determined to change that.

Crafted from colorful braids, massive hoop earrings, and sets of gold teeth, Merriweather’s busts are a gorgeous affirmation of Black American aesthetics.