Athena Lynch is a trans-disciplinary artist whose work spans sculpture, communal/immersive installation, and placemaking, with the intention to reshape narratives, challenge systems, foster communal spaces, and redefine interconnectedness. Her artistic practice disrupts perceived notions of monolithic blackness, centering on Black bodies and African diasporic perspectives to address historical and contemporary themes. Through mediums such as performance, video, textiles, sculpture, and site-specific engagements, Athena chronicles memories and ancestral stories, guided by the Ghanaian principle of Sankofa, which advocates for returning to one's roots. These visual narratives assert a presence against narratives that historically marginalize Black experiences.

Athena's artistic endeavors are deeply intertwined with activism and community organizing. Since 2020, she has spearheaded a Juneteenth Celebration in downtown Portland, Maine, showcasing her commitment to celebrating and advocating for Black liberation and culture.

A pivotal aspect of Athena's work revolves around addressing social inequalities and the ways in which Black bodies navigate and exist within white-dominated spaces. Her dual perspective as a Black woman profoundly influences her worldview and her artistic expression. While Athena considers her work to be activist-oriented, she acknowledges its limitations in single-handedly resolving systemic issues. Nonetheless, she shares Titus Kaphar's sentiment of "shifting focus," aiming to redirect attention to alternative narratives and the realities of inequitable existences. Through her art, Athena serves as a conduit for the voices of her ancestors and those whose stories resonate within her. She perceives it as her responsibility to amplify the narratives of Black individuals and contribute to changing the overarching narrative.

In her roles as a maker, activist, provocateur, and HUE-MAN, Athena embraces her duty to challenge the status quo and advocate for inclusivity, justice, and equity.

 

“I choose to reflect the times and situations in which I find myself. That is my duty. And at this crucial time in our lives, when everything is so desperate, when every day is a matter of survival. I don’t think you can help but be involved.”

 – Nina Simone