The Black Experience

In addressing the Black experience, I have been drawing, painting, sculpting, and creating prints of symbols of oppression. I have also chosen to create portraits that depict the everyday person’s struggle and portraits of those who represent the forces behind major movements in black activism in the United States.  I need to utilize these symbols and portraits to show that at one point in history or another, these symbols made life difficult for survival, and despite the restrictions, many individuals dared to speak out, stand, sit or kneel for their convictions. These acts of courage came with a heavy price for all, still, they did and do not falter. Their acts of courage have also encouraged me to use my artistic voice to speak out against the injustices of the past and those of the present.

Monologues

Portraits of Courage

I felt the need to capture that with portraits of the past and those of our times. I set out to paint to complete the works for this exhibition.

These portraits represent the forces behind major movements in black activism in the United States. At one point in history or another, these individuals have had the courage to speak out, stand, sit, or kneel for their convictions. These acts of courage came with a heavy price for all, still they did and do not falter.

As you view this exhibit, ask yourself, whatcourageous contribution will I be known for?

Noose – Silenced (continued)

Slavery Then and Now (with a little bit of Hope)

They Died… While You Were Sleeping

This series examines the death of three individuals who died while sleeping or awakened only to die shortly after, during police raids throughout American history.  It calls us to, first, not forget these individuals and the way they died.  It also encourages us to wake up to become activists in our communities and in politics with the hope that we can stop the vicious cycle of senseless deaths by the hands of people who are responsible for law enforcement.