Lex Marie’s Art Confronts Discipline in Black Households

Multidisciplinary artist Lex Marie has gained attention on TikTok and Instagram for her art addressing discipline in Black households. In Washington, D.C., at American University’s Katzen Arts Center, she uses belts in her studio, both as materials and tools. Some belts are organized meticulously on canvases, while others are dipped in paint and swung to create bold strokes.

Marie’s work examines themes of childhood, discipline, survival, and love. Her series explores the rarely discussed topic of corporal punishment in Black households. Marie, who is 33 and a mother, draws inspiration from her experiences and reflections on parenting her eight-year-old son.

One significant piece, “Watch Your Tone,” is a six-by-six-foot canvas entirely covered in belts. These belts, varying in shades, represent the spectrum of skin tones. The title refers to a common phrase used to discipline children. The work connects to the historical use of whipping in slavery, which influenced discipline methods in Black families.

Yohuru Williams, of the Racial Justice Initiative, explains that corporal punishment in Black communities is linked to slavery’s legacy. Physical discipline was a tool for control and continues to affect parenting practices today.

Another piece, “Because I Love You,” depicts the act of punishment. Marie uses a belt dipped in paint to leave imprints on a wooden panel, symbolizing marks and welts. The title references common statements made by parents after disciplining, embodying the complex emotions involved.

Marie aims to provoke thought and discussion, not judgment. Her work opens dialogue on a topic often avoided, inviting people to share and reflect on their own experiences. The series, which has sold pieces to notable figures like Spike Lee, will be exhibited at The Bishop gallery in Brooklyn, New York.

In the context of the Black Lives Matter movement, historian Williams advocates for rethinking discipline methods. He believes a conversation rooted in community and human dignity is crucial. Marie’s art serves as a platform for these discussions, addressing childhood trauma and breaking the silence around such experiences.