When the questions of identity and acceptance, rights and responsibilities, privileges, purpose and propriety are all examined and laid to rest the common factor is the importance of being. Be is about the complexities and importance of existence as an African American in contemporary society. I plan to display a series of large format painting containing representations of Black life from multiple perspectives. Be will critique and celebrate Blackness in many varied forms. Be speaks about injustice towards Black people, and errors in judgment by Black people.

 

Be contains 13 oil paintings. Sizes will range from 30 x 30in. to 87 x 60in. at the largest size. Works included are Spirits of the Ancients 50
x 60in; which expresses the idea that we are comprised of elements of those who came before us. Haunted, 2013 30 x40 is about the oppressive mental state of urban housing residents. “Technical Difficulties” 36x48in. 2014, depicts the distorted thoughts of young Black men as a result of the images disseminated through the media. “Brother Malcolm” 30x30in. 2014, is a tribute to the slain civil rights activist. “Waiting for Justice” 2014 53x63in, painted in response to the decision not to indict the policeman responsible for the death of Michael Brown. “Nightmares Come True” 2015 72x36, a commentary on the “thug” trend and it’s resemblance to the condition in which young men were found after lynching. These works are largely inspired by artist like Romare Bearden for complexity, Archibald Motley for style, and Fred Wilson in the way they seek to inspire conversations.

 

Be; Affirming Existence is important body of work because it speaks to diversity within a group. Whether it be an educational institution, a work environ- ment, or society at large, there is the necessity of the individual to tell his or her story. Each and every individual has a unique story, a unique perspective than is not shared by any other person within their respective social group. There is no one Black narrative or Asian narrative, or Latin, Caucasian or LGBT narrative. The value of a show like this is to inspire all of us to boldly raise our voices. We are free to celebrate our group, our culture and our community and critique them as well. That is the point of this body of work; to exhibit pride and responsibility, encourage empowerment to not accept generalizations, and inspire inclusion in the dialogues of what it means to Be.