In November 2020, artist Tschabalala Self had her debut solo exhibition with Galerie Eva Presenhuber in New York. “Cotton Mouth,” refers to elements of cultural and historical significance within the Black American lexicon. “People say they have cotton mouth when they smoke too much and their mouth ceases to function,” says Self. According to the press release, “The choice of title is a burdened one, as a mouth that can no longer function serves as a metaphor for the systemic and continued silencing of Black America.” Self’s drawings, paintings, and audio piece thrust gestures, figures, and words into spaces where speech has been denied.