Sapphina Roller

The Contributors portrait

Bio

My name is Sapphina Roller and I am a painting major at RISD class of 2023. I grew up in Verona, Wisconsin and have since moved to Connecticut. My work reflects on my own memory, ways of healing and feeling joy in my body.

What does black joy look like to you?

I think it looks like resting a body that deserves it so desperately. It feels like a smile you fight to hold back, or a laugh you try to suppress.

 June 6th 2003. My older brother (age 3) and me (age 2) at the dining room table in our first home in Fitchburg Wisconsin, drawing in coloring books. I like to imagine my joy of creating and the root of my artistry started in this photo.
June 6th 2003. My older brother (age 3) and me (age 2) at the dining room table in our first home in Fitchburg Wisconsin, drawing in coloring books. I like to imagine my joy of creating and the root of my artistry started in this photo.
Me in my painting studio last semester in December 2021, I feel like this image connects to the picture of me at 2 years old. I feel like everything I make is for her. I think about her constantly.
Me in my painting studio last semester in December 2021, I feel like this image connects to the picture of me at 2 years old. I feel like everything I make is for her. I think about her constantly.

Archive

The archive is comprised of over 80 contributors who have individually submitted images, writing and various other content on their behalf. In an effort to prioritze the authors of this content, the archive is oraginized by the contributors first name. Please refer to the index below to view all content within the collection.

  • Benita Perkins2022
  • Aaron Bollwinkel2022
  • Brett & Stacey Pulley2022
  • Sarai Reed2022
  • Karissa John2022
  • Samantha Willis2022
  • Chaz Outing2022
  • Esther Akintoye2022
  • Asha Parks2022
  • Samantha Storch2022
  • Renea Toni Burke2022
  • Jasmine Monteiro2022
  • Dominique Thomas2022
  • Sandra Hightower2022
  • Brook Tillman Bullitt2022
  • Zoë King2022
  • Nicole Bradley2022
  • NaN
  • Matt McGriff2022
  • Vessna Scheff2022
  • Claire Green2022
  • Alkebuluan Merriweather2022
  • Jalina Suggs2022
  • Dominque Weaver2022
  • Adam Easterling2022
  • Erin Williams2022
  • Eva Woolridge2022
  • Deandra Gichie2022
  • NaN
  • Sedrick Miles2022
  • Stephanie Buckler2022
  • Beth Faulkner2022
  • Vanessa Davis2022
  • Jenni Oughton2022
  • Marin Griffith2022
  • Brandon Malone2022
  • Sapphina Roller2022
  • Iyo Aghedo2022
  • Shawn Carter2022
  • Ndivhuho Rasengani 2022
  • Stacey Pulley2022
  • Rene Payne2022
  • Kennedy Jones2022
  • NaN
  • Annalee Reid2022
  • Sydni Watkins2022
  • Jamil Fatti2022
  • Olufisayo Quadri2022
  • Calli Haramaras2022
  • Uthman Olowa2022
  • Amina Tamkaba2022
  • Tori Cherry2022
  • NaN
  • Addie Kae Mingilton2022
  • Aboubacar Naby2022
  • Corinthia Ellis2022
  • NaN
  • Nik Muka2022
  • Ivana Thorton2022
  • Jahi Kijo Lendor2022
  • Natiana Alexandra Manuel Fonseca2022
  • Sabrina Sims2022
  • Shanika Powell2022
  • Tina Ramos Ekongo2022
  • Isaiah Aladejobi2022
  • Bert Alexander2022
  • Rraine Hanson2022
  • NaN
  • Gabrielle Dancy2022
  • Melanie Blagburn2022
  • Alicia Pickney2022
  • Angela Hill2022
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  • Nicole Hollant2022
  • Romello Goodman2022
  • Akilah Sigler2022
  • Rebecca Franklin2022
  • Taino Flores2022
  • Alyssa Hard2022
  • Shanira Eccleston2022