In this work I am in observation, questioning and criticism of what it means to exist as a black man. Not only in the broader context of the Black mans place in America, but in the individual perspective one develops as he begins to recognize himself. I understand that my perspective is destined to evolve and change, but I was moved to know who I am in the present moment. As this is my inaugural solo exhibition, not only as an emerging professional artist, but also as an extension of the work created in tandem with my masters thesis; I have decided to title this show “Introduction to Labor”, As this marks the beginning of the work I intend to be doing for the rest of my life. Creating artwork for the sake of having conversations, seeking a deeper truth or understanding, engaging with my community, and figuring out how to best represent the complexities of our experience. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be called to engage with important conversations in time. However, I strongly believe in order to get there, turning the lens inward is the first step in a long journey.
The work created in conversation with my written thesis, “The Labor of the African American Experience”, is a contemporary installation including both traditional approaches to art making as well as three dimensional structures to frame the work in the context highlighted by the writing. During my time working as an interior/exterior painter, I came to realize the symbolism embedded in the practice of transforming a space. The largest being how the United States is founded on the recreation of a space that already existed, and consequentially how the formerly enslaved had to work for the space to evolve in this country. This inspired me to investigate how the work I create can transform the space and how I would compose such a transformation. In this investigation ones lack of control in the metaphorical and literal space we exist in cannot be ignored, and how African Americans especially are forced to be in constant observation of how we are ruled by this space. We build ourselves up and work towards elevation yet we are judged less by the structural elements of our being and more by the most shallow components of our existence. With our movement limited by the weights of societal burdens, we are discouraged from embracing the fight for cultural elevation and pivoted into an individual labor for survival. How can one fix such large issues that many refuse to even acknowledge are happening? We stand directly in front of them, weathering the storm of emotions about such a sad and unjust reality. Praying that we can be the exception and nothing will tear down the walls to our individual space, even though there is always the risk.
I didn’t create this work as a means of solving the problem or suggesting that I have a solution. I understood that in order to contribute to a much larger and more complex conversation, I would need to first look inward to seek out a deeper comprehension of my own existence and experience. The work became a visual representation of my own individual experience that happens to parallel the experience of my community and culture throughout history. I could go into a long ballad about the mistreatments of my people and how it still continues In new forms to this day. However, this work is about understanding the position we are left in because of those negative forces; Seemingly endless laboring towards survival that seldom provides incremental growth, only to be met by a blatantly adverse society. A society that throws rocks and hides its hands, or willfully ignores the existence of such adversities. It is important for any Black person to realize their position in a country with intrinsic values that never included the best interest of Black people. In my opinion, it is equally important for any Non-Black person to see our position, see the adversity we face, and place themselves in-between the two for a deeper understanding of how laborious it can be just to embrace this reality. On either side of the line, one has to have the conversation, that this is indeed the reality we live in, and not many of us get to be the exception.
Gallery Views:
"Trust The Police?"
"Whitewash my Fear"
I always find it confusing when “people” truly believe that there are no systematic or racial issues facing the Black community. For someone to believe our lives are not at risk would be ridiculous. To say that we are coming, or ever have come, from a fair position would be ignorant. Our youth are instilled with the sad reality, that we have to work two or three times as hard as our white counterparts to achieve something sustainable in this country. On top of that reality, the risk of an unjust set of circumstances can fall upon us at any moment in time. Circumstances that are not just mere unfortunate situations, but truly life altering events. All we have to do is be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you’re lucky, you will never meet a racist in your life. The likelihood of that, is sadly low. If you’re lucky, you’ll never be harassed by the police. The likelihood of that, is not terribly high, but not terribly low either. If you’re lucky, you will never be a victim of systematic oppression or professional prejudice. However, that is unlikely. If we did not see these things as often as we do, happening all across the country, then my fear and anxiety would be unjustified. But unfortunately, this is a feeling I cannot fight. Anytime I get in my car, pass a police officer, apply for an opportunity, or enter a predominantly white space, I can feel the fear rising. The fear that this is the moment. The moment everything I have worked for falls apart and I lose control of my life. OR this is the moment that my growth stops, and all that awaits me from then on is stagnation in a sunken existence. But what is there to be afraid of right?
"Don't Be Ridiculous"
"Breakthrough"
What is to be said of a break through or those that break through? Is this a breakthrough… As an individual…maybe not the first, probably not the last. As a collective…can we say we have really broken through? A myriad of individual breakthroughs in a myriad of fields could suggest so. However, let me suggest that collectively we are buried in the layers of labor that have trapped us in darkness since the plantation. A few, far and in between have created an opening and reached out into the unknown, and even more seldom, they are pulled out by someone/something that reflects the experience that one has endured. All too often does our passion drive us beyond the limitations placed upon us, only for us to stand amongst those who thrive from the systematic and laborious limitations in place. All too often is breaking through and standing in the unknown a daunting and lonely experience.
"Curtains"
Since its inception, Hip/hop and R&B has been the most prevalent window into Black culture and understanding the social/cultural phenomena of our community. Outside of professional athletes it is the largest avenue of representation that the Black youth has to be influenced by. Whether it be old-school, new-school, conscious or nonsensical, Based in violence or based in love; Black music has created an impact on American society and industry unlike any other facet of culture. Like Black people, hip hop is not a monolith, which presents a myriad of variations within and of itself. Even though it cannot be contained by a single idea or definition, the intricacies and complexities of the African American experience is vividly expressed through Black music. At a time, there was not just music to reflect and create an impact on the African American culture; there were writers, philosophers, poets, artist, and musicians who all seemed to work in conversation with each other. In this current moment, Whether it be good or bad, Black music is not only leading the conversation, but garnering the most attention as well. I do not mean to shame or put down the prominence of Black music, because I too am impacted by its influence. However, I aim to influence the perspective on how we receive it. More than a means of entertainment, hip hop pulls back the curtain and unveils the harsh reality of our position in this country. A position where the profit of our creativity, ingenuity, and expression determines the value of our existence.
"Experiments of Representation"
Like many Black mothers, my mother taught me when I leave the house that I need to be presentable. Not only because it reflected the type of household she kept. But because for a young black child, how we are perceived by society actually matters. Although many of us stand in the mindset that we do not care what people think of us, we are constantly concerned with the way in which the country perceives and accepts us. It is clear, that we will not be widely accepted unconditionally. So we are always in observation and experimentation with the way we represent ourselves. Until we have come to terms with our own value, we will be working towards acceptance and the opportunity to elevate our position in the eyes of our countrymen.
"Tied Up"
"PRIDE"
Are you proud of this? Of them? Of yourself? What’s there to be proud of? Should you be proud of being an American if you are Black or any kind of minority? How likely is that? Maybe be proud of the few, far and In between who have made something of themselves? Proud of the percentage of white Americans who have opened their hearts to acceptance? Should we go elsewhere? Let’s be real, where would we go? besides who would wanna give up this “freedom”? Can we turn this into something to be proud of? If you aren’t proud to be an American, then you don’t belong here. And Im pretty sure Black people were never meant to belong here in the first place.
"Black Dollar"
It is incredible to think about the fact that the national spending power of the black community will reach $1.8 trillion by 2024. It is disheartening to know that, although many programs and initiatives are being implemented to aid the black community, our spending power is not feeding a sustainable economic foundation for us to collectively evolve in this country. lack of proper education, equal opportunities, gainful employment, and financial literacy keeps us in a constant cycle of desperate survival. American economy still benefits off the back of Black labor and while our freedom is apparent, so is our struggle to live freely.
"FOCUS"
"Inside a Real N*gga"
"Don't Be Basic"
How often do you self reflect? When you look in the mirror what do you see? Do you know who you want to be? Do you ever check in and ask yourself important questions? When I look in the mirror, I am figuring out what this is I am looking at. Am I happy with this? How can I evolve? What are my strengths and my flaws? What concerns me? What am I doing? How do I make this make sense? How do I make this worth it? How serious do I take myself? I could live a mundane life, going to work and going home, with no extracurricular ambitions. I am always working on myself, to meet my own high standards, and when I look in the mirror, the last thing I want to be is basic.
"Elegant Articulation"
"Diaspora"
“The modern African diaspora, at its core, consists of the millions of peoples of African descent living in various societies who are united by a past based significantly but not exclusively upon "racial" oppression and the struggles against it; and who, despite the cultural variations and political and other divisions among them, share an emotional bond with one another and with their ancestral continent; and who also, regardless of their location, face broadly similar problems in constructing and realizing themselves.” -Collin A. Palmer I wonder how do we reach each other? When will we reach a broader unification? How do we reclaim a sense of home in one another? If we were to reconnect with the home continent, what would happen? Would we be received with love? Would the division that has been sown be to vast to overcome? What do Black Americans think of when they think of Africans? What do Africans think of when they think of Black Americans? Do they want to reclaim us? Do we want reclamation? How many Black Americans or Africans have the time or the freedom to entertain concern for one another?
"Colors of Revolution"
"Creative Bloodline"
Through internal exploration and curiosity induced research, I am currently negotiating my development as a person, uncovering my concerns for the world, my role within it, and expanding my knowledge on the realities of the American social, political and economic systems.
As I can only present what I know from my experience as a Black man, it is a challenge of figuring out what I know about myself. I want to use this idea of knowing oneself as more than a typical personality trait. When I speak of knowing myself, I’m questioning where I come from, how I got here, who's responsible for this, where do I belong, where does the world think I belong, who am I with, and who is with me?
I look consciously and unconsciously at the world around me, the people around me, the systems in which our world operates and how I or the collective “I” are affected by that. It is not that I am being intentionally political about these subjects. It is that these subjects are inherently political
I am an artist because I have devoted my life to knowing what that truly means. Like art, an artist perpetually adapts to the environment and era in which it exists. As a practitioner of the fine arts, it is my purpose to grow, evolve and transform my practice. To then challenge, reflect or provoke thought within the minds of my audience. It is my mission to never be stagnant or complacent. To always question, to unveil, and to never limit the scope of my creativity.