Studio Art Major Autumn Pointe ‘24 Uses Her Craft to Embrace Her HAIRitage 

A North Carolina native, Autumn Pointe ‘24 took after her father with the creativity and passion for art that she displayed at a young age. As the Queens University senior prepares to graduate with a studio art major and minors in art history and arts leadership and administration, her capstone project celebrates her identity and lived experience as a Black woman through the lens of her crown. 

“My concept for my capstone seeks to communicate my experience through self-portraits and the significance of my hair,” said Pointe. “The project will include up to 15 pieces that will be presented as part of the senior arts showcase at Queens.” 

Each one of Pointe’s oil paintings showcase a different hair style and have symbolism woven in through her posture and other stylistic elements in the imagery. Although the senior is making a splash with a bold and creative capstone concept, her road to Queens was uncharted. 

“As a first-generation student, both of my parents went to college, but never graduated,” said Pointe. “I am so grateful that they have always supported me in the pursuit of my dreams.” 

As a high school senior, Pointe knew that she wanted to attend college for studio art. 

“I toured Queens right as COVID hit. I came in late March and students had already moved out,” she said. “I loved the campus and knew I wanted to be in Charlotte. What really solidified my decision was when I met President Lugo during my visit. Knowing I had support as a first-generation student from every level of the Queens administration gave me and my parents so much comfort.” 

Since coming to Queens, Pointe has flourished with her on-campus involvement. As President of the Tau Beta Chapter at Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. at Queens, she has enjoyed leading outreach and sisterhood events. She is grateful for the community she has found on campus. 

One of the most notable experiences Pointe will carry with her was taking an arts and culture class through the John Belk International Program that culminated in a faculty-led trip to Florence, Italy. 

“I had flown domestically a few times here and there, but this trip was my first ever overseas experience,” she said. “I was so nervous to travel without my family, but it was the most amazing opportunity. Seeing the history and magnificent artwork that I had studied for so many years in person was a surreal moment.” 

Pointe cites Amy Sherald as a big influence and Sherald’s use of a limited palette, which she is also utilizing for her capstone project. Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama offers stylistic inspiration to her for her own self-portraiture.  

“Another influence of mine is Kehinde Wiley, a well-known artist who places black subjects in historical scenes,” said Pointe. “His backgrounds typically offer intricate patterns with cultural significance.” 

As she considers the legacy she hopes to leave behind at Queens after commencement, Pointe shares about her the following sentiments. 

“I hope that people will see me in a more authentic way through my capstone project,” said Pointe. “Many of my professors and fellow students know me to be quite reserved, so I am excited for them to get a deeper look at who I am.” 

During Black History Month, she reflects on her own identity and inspiration. 

“Many Black women begin to alter their natural hair pattern from a young age. Since high school, I’ve been on a journey of embracing my natural hair. It has definitely helped me to connect more to my ancestors and culture and rise above the societal expectations around me. My hair is my crown and is such a big part of who I am.”