Negative Self-Reflections
Stop Copying Me & I’m Original
Acrylic, Cardboard, Metal Grid
(2) 24” x 24”
2019
“Stop Copying Me & I’m Original” is a commentary on peoples social outward appearance. It is also the beginning of my “Negative Self Reflections” series. We are all so worried about not being copied and claiming that we are original or self-made as way to claim our independence and uniqueness though we inherently have those characteristics. I our appearance is a constant self-centered battle where we want to be our own person but contradict ourselves by imitating others.
Superfluous Container
Cardboard, Metal Grid, Mirror
39” x 40”
2019
“Superfluous Container” is about being an empty shell of a person. Compared to my other works there is no imagery or cardboard woven into the grid which is a reference to emptiness. The mirror is there to force you to reflect and question if this is how you feel about yourself.
Found It!
Screenprint on Cardboard, Colored Pencil, Frame, Glass
17” x 21”
2019
“Found It!” is about finding your place in this maze of a place called life. Once you find your place in life you must hold and secure where you belong just like the frame and glass of the piece. This piece is not just about finding content but being so scared of losing your comfortableness that you are willing to take all precautions to hold on to it.
Unfocused
Cardboard, Metal Grid, Yarn
15” x 15” x 15”
2019
“Unfocused'“ is a term we all have been described as by others in a higher position than you. Whether it was by a mentor or coach it was always puzzling to hear that term especially when you are working really hard and trying any way that you can to obtain your goal. The differences on each side of the cube represent the different ways in which we try, the fact that each side is different in the application method is where I relate the idea of being called unfocused.
No One Wants To Be…
Cardboard, Metal Grid, Mannequin, Monofilament, Zip Ties
14” x 14” x 14”
2019
“No One Wants to Be…” is exactly what the viewer imagines how the title would end in a sentence. It is an embodiment of all the things we would not want to be. Whether it is no one wants to be, on display, secluded, in a cage, controlled, or fabricated, it can be anything that the viewer connects it to representing.
Fitting In
Cardboard, Meta Grid, Monofilament, Tape
10” x 10”
2019
“Fitting In” is exactly what it sounds like. This piece is about how we all aim to fit in and be normalized in society but then contradict ourselves by wanting to be unique when though we may be part of a group, we already are unique because of our inherent differences. I exemplify this message by fitting cardboard cubicles into the metal grid system and then adding inserts fitting into the cardboard cubicles.
Smile
Acrylic, Cardboard
Various
2019
“Smile is all about the contradiction of ourselves being more than willing to and happy to pose for selfies but then hate to pose for photographs that are family photos, non-candid, or forced pictures.
Blindly Following (M.y A.ctions G.et A.bsolved)
Acrylic, Cardboard, Charcoal, Cloth, Tape, Yarn
Various Sizes
2019
“Blindly Following” is a piece that acts as a ruse. The full title including the acronym and the imagery is meant to fool the viewer into thinking that this artwork is a political piece and that I am intentionally saying something negative about President Donald Trump. When in fact, that is not my intention. Just like in my “A Common King” installation depicting President Donald Trump is not my goal as it could have been any president but I decided to choose whoever was in office. The purpose of this piece is to question who you follow and not to follow anyone just because. I make reference on those who have to or are mandated to follow someone without question in the piece through the military figure behind the President following his “road” or “path.” Then behind the military figure you have other civilians who blindly follow the President or those with power, either because they are scared, are not educated enough to make their own decisions, or various other reasons.
Like Father, Like Son
Cardboard, Mirror, Saran Wrap
32” x 12”
2019
“Like Father, Like Son” is a commentary about the viewers’ relationship with their father whether they have one or not. If the viewer has a great relationship with their father and admires them then they will see great things in their reflection. But since this work is part of my “Negative Reflection Series” I am focusing on the negative things one would have seen in their father now within themselves through the reflection of the mirror in the bottom negative headspace. The top negative headspace references the fathers who weren’t there for their children, and if they were there for their children and if you see the saran wrap which references how now as an adult you may recognize how transparent your father may have really been. As a mixed African American male, this piece also takes a jab at the negative idea of those who think just because some fathers were not there for their children does not mean that those children will not be there for their own.
Not Black Enough
Acrylic, Cardboard
Various
2019
“Not Black Enough” speaks about others and my personal experience about being a mixed-African American who has received back lash for being a lighter complexion compared to darker-skinned African Americans. This piece is a conversation on classes between your own race and culture. “Not Black Enough” also serves as a critique to those who express their interest in “Blacks” for being an exotic as to say they have “had” darker Blacks in reference in color or more “black” in reference to them thinking they know how all Black people act.
Forced & Found
Acrylic, Cardboard, Pen
10” x 17”
2019
“Forced and Found” is about questioning whether to make an important decision in your life. All the different puzzle shape inserts represent where you fit, whether you fit or not, and whether it’s a correct choice or not. Each piece represents an animated part of yourself and the reactions of your possibilities.
An Addictive Personality (6 pack or six-pack)
Acrylic, Aluminum Beer Cans, Cardboard, Permanent Marker, Washboard
11.5” x 7.5” & 9.5” x 7.75”
2019
“An Addictive Personality (6 pack or six-pack)” is a judgmental negative self-portrait of myself that others may relate to as well. This piece has to do with the addiction of being self-conscious of the way the body looks. Looking back at how I got so intrigued into self-care at a young age, I realize I traded a traumatizing experience for an obsession which was working out and have the perfect body. I would soon learn maintaining a perfect body was very taxing and unhealthy in the way I was approaching it. That behavior would later develop into another behavior which was to relax by relying on a substance like alcohol, particularly beer, where at the end of my days I would always feel “I need a beer.”
Happy Earth Day!...Hypocrites
Archival Ink Pen, Cardboard
5.5” x 12”
2019
Created on Earth Day, and appropriate for the holiday this works presents a critique on as a world on how we do not show much concern of keeping our planet’s resources healthy and plentiful. Even for those who are aware of global issues of Earth’s preservation we, which includes myself, still do not sacrifice to the best of our abilities to preserve the earth for the future. For example, the world is very aware of recycling now yet we still do not reduce production enough.
Too Wide, or Too Small?
Cardboard, Tape
22” x 7” x 7.5”
2019
“Too Wide, or Too Small” is the embodiment of women and men being self-conscious and aware of our bodies and sexuality. As a minimal sculpture, I comment on the common issue that so many of us worried about when we were growing up. Many can relate to wondering if their breasts or penis were big enough, if we had an attractive body, or if we had enough sexual experience.