Blak Betty 

Betty Boop is an iconic character, yet her origins are often overlooked or misrepresented. it’s important to remember that Betty Boop was originally inspired by the remarkable black jazz singer Esther Jones (Baby Esther), evolving over time to become the beloved cartoon character that hit popularity around the 1930’s and have been immersed in pop culture ever since.

In my ‘Blak Betty’ series, i have reimagined Betty with a koori twist, portraying her as the strong, independent and political figure i wished i had seen represented more often in my own youth. Betty Boop has had a significant impact on me personally, from growing up watching her cartoons to collecting memorabilia.

My rendition “Blak Betty” serves as a heartfelt ode to the powerful, political Indigenous women in my life who continue to inspire me everyday. While Betty’s character in my paintings is staunch and resilient, i also aim to infuse a soft playfulness into the artwork.