August Ham

A Photocollage Monoprint

August Ham Is a monoprint that reclaims the Southern term august ham for watermelon as a symbol of joy, abundance, and community. Drawing from personal and cultural memory, the work celebrates the innocence and freedom of Black childhood while confronting the complicated histories attached to the fruit. Through layers of vibrant color and texture, the print shifts the narrative away from stereotype and toward lived experience, honoring moments of gathering, laughter, and belonging. Rooted in family traditions and Southern culture, August Hame reflects on how everyday objects can carry both history and pride. The work invites viewers to reconsider familiar symbols and recognize them as sites of resilience, beauty, and connection across generations.