Akina Cox connects personal memories with a broader history. She searches for the hidden connections and relationships between seemingly disparate subjects, in an attempt to map out her own existence in relation to the larger world.
Her work considers the fragility of the past, the constantly changing interpretations of it, and the tenuous balance of authority that shifts when we evaluate an historical event.
In recent work, Cox explores the boundaries of narrative and storytelling. Examining the idea of anomalies, and their central role in inspiring various narratives, Cox concentrates on three examples: individuals of perceived historical value, an animal of gargantuan proportions, and a tumor that significantly alters the life of its host.
Her involvement with narrative expands as she represents her discoveries through painting and performance, while considering the various alterations that occur through each stage of the process. Though each piece can be understood as an independent work, they can also be read in relation to each other, creating a multi-linear narrative.