Steven Montinar

Browner Than Your Bag

Velvet mask, photo triptych

“A velvet mask and photo triptych commenting on colorism through imagery influenced by the Brown Paper Bag Test. The test was a practice where Black people who were darker than a brown paper bag were denied certain privileges than those with lighter skin. The test originated from New Orleans’ Bag Parties in the 1850s, where Black hosts would only allow those who passed the test to enter.

However, the concept can be traced back to African slavery in the United States. Plantation owners gave light-skinned slaves the ‘privilege’ of working in the house rather than doing hard labor in the fields. This instilling of Black undesirability went from a specified time period to a systemic issue, which led to internal conflict in Black communities. The concept of the Brown Paper Bag Test and Blue Vein Societies can be found anywhere from job interviews to skin and hair care products.”

— Steven Montinar

About the artist

Steven Montinar

Steven Montinar is a multidisciplinary artist and art director, known for his vibrant laser cut acrylic sculptures. The Carnegie Mellon alum's studio investigates the concept of subculture through the reimagining of invention and artifact. Often resulting in sculpture and installation, Montinar frequently incorporates photography, video, fashion, and new media art. His artwork has been internationally showcased in festivals, exhibited in traditional and experimental galleries, for sale at auction, published, and acquired for permanent museum collection. These spaces notably include: the Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sotheby’s, and SoHo House. A unique series of Montinar's work had been represented the film art dealership Art Pic for Film set dressing. The body of work first premiered on CBS program, Bob Hearts Abishola, then later exhibited across 2000+ screens in New York City in collaboration with LinkNYC. Online, the artist's practice has been featured by Cash App, Hyperallergic, Vice's Garage Magazine, and Dazed. An exploration beyond the art market led Steven to assist in film productions by Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Paramount Pictures and luxury events with Montblanc, Sotheby's, and Tiffany & Co.