PROTECT ME
       
     
THEIRSTORY
       
     
BREEWAYY BLVD
       
     
WHITE HAND
       
     
BLACKBALLED
       
     
23 MINUTES A FROG
       
     
CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
       
     
COSMIC BLACK
       
     
FENTANYL DREAMS
       
     
THE MOST DANGEROUS THING IN THE UNIVERSE
       
     
GOD HAND
       
     
HAIR LIKE WOOL, SKIN LIKE BRONZE
       
     
SOCIAL DRUNK I
       
     
SOCIAL DRUNK II
       
     
A MOTHER'S LUVV
       
     
THE LEAST I CAN DO
       
     
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE
       
     
PROTECT ME
       
     
PROTECT ME

Acrylic on canvas

"Protect Me" is a powerful call to action that represents our responsibility as members of a community to safeguard our young ones. It goes beyond physical protection, encompassing their mental and spiritual well-being. By investing in each other, uplifting, teaching, and serving one another, we pave the way for a brighter future. Nurturing the youth creates a foundation that preserves the integrity of our society. When creating this artwork, I contemplated carrying the burdens passed down to me and the importance of fulfilling our purpose. This piece challenges me to selflessly dedicate myself to the future generation. I hope to inspire others to serve both the youth and one another, fostering a transformative shift that empowers us physically, mentally, and spiritually.

THEIRSTORY
       
     
THEIRSTORY

Acrylic on canvas

"Theirstory" is a thought-provoking and powerful exploration of the limited teaching of black history in US classrooms. It highlights the fact that only a small portion of class time, around 1 to 2 lessons or 8-9% of the total, is dedicated to black history. Additionally, the banning of critical race theory in some states and the opposition it faces further contribute to the lack of comprehensive education on this subject.

The personal experience shared in "Theirstory" reflects the absence of teaching about influential figures like Mansa Musa, Marcus Garvey Jr., and other political activists who have shaped history in positive ways. Instead, the focus is on the origin of slavery, tragic heroes like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and the challenges they faced, including their untimely deaths.

This type of education can be disheartening, as it emphasizes the struggles rather than providing empowering narratives. The protagonist of "Theirstory" questions the information being forced upon him through a brain installation machine. He experiences agony and confusion, symbolizing the conflict between his own truth and the delusion imposed upon him. The story highlights the importance of equitable and comprehensive education that celebrates the achievements and contributions of black individuals throughout history.

BREEWAYY BLVD
       
     
BREEWAYY BLVD

Acrylic on canvas

When contemplating the events that unfolded at Breonna Taylor's apartment, I imagine the intensity of that particular moment. The entire situation appears almost surreal, like a plot from a chilling American novel or a suspenseful horror movie. Instances of police brutality often seem unimaginable, as if they were fabricated. In this narrative, we witness a frightened woman seeking refuge under her blanket because she suddenly hears a forceful knock at her door. This hour was not one she anticipated having any visitors. It's difficult to fathom the emotions one would experience upon being abruptly awoken, only to find themselves in the presence of a higher being in the next moment.

WHITE HAND
       
     
WHITE HAND

Acrylic on canvas

"White Hand" is a deeply personal artwork that reflects the gatekeeping experienced by aspiring Black men. As a Black artist in Grand Rapids, most of my professional opportunities have come from the support of white individuals, who vouched for me as a "safe" Black man and opened doors to success. In this painting, you'll see a portrayal of a Black man facing adversity and making a deal with a white man who holds the key to limitless possibilities. The gatekeeper imposes rules and regulations, reminding him of who granted him this opportunity, ensuring he never forgets his place. This piece prompts us to question: Where are the doors we create ourselves?

BLACKBALLED
       
     
BLACKBALLED

Acrylic on canvas

As it stands, "blackballed" typically means being rejected as a member of a private club through a secret ballot. In the context you described, a young black boy is hesitant to shoot a basketball because he fears being blocked no matter where he takes the shot. This represents the feeling of constantly needing to overcome obstacles as a black individual to achieve even a glimpse of success. It reflects the trauma of being denied opportunities based on our skin color and other factors that work against us by default. The analogy of fewer ball possessions dulling a shooter's shot highlights how fewer opportunities at success can lead to overall lack of success.

23 MINUTES A FROG
       
     
23 MINUTES A FROG

Acrylic on. canvas

"The Princess and the Frog" had the potential to be a great Disney princess movie that inspired young black girls, but it fell short. Despite a charming trailer, rich setting, and a realistic depiction of a strong black woman, the movie missed an opportunity to promote racial equality. The main character, Tiana, spends most of the film as a frog (23 minutes), compared to only 17 minutes as a human.

This portrayal sends a message that even in a fantasy realm, black women are not fully seen or given the chance to be human. It can teach young black girls that no matter how brilliant or ambitious they are, they will always fall short in society. This stands in stark contrast to the whimsical and enchanting tales of Tiana's peers, whose stories seemed more magical.

The lack of representation also makes it difficult for young black girls to feel inspired and seen. If the world doesn't recognize them as fully human, how can they feel magically inspired? Additionally, Tiana doesn't even get the opportunity to love a prince who looks like her, further perpetuating the underrepresentation of black love.

In summary, "The Princess and the Frog" had the ingredients for a powerful movie for black girls, but its execution missed the mark. It's important for media to provide meaningful representation and positive messages for all audiences, especially those who have been historically marginalized.

CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
       
     
CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

Acrylic on canvas

"Cabinet of Curiosities" draws inspiration from the Harry Potter series and Fantastic Beasts, aiming to showcase the inherent beauty of black women and emphasize that they require no enhancements to be stunning. The artwork portrays a woman becoming cartoonish, symbolizing the loss of her true self and the diminishing of the unique beauty bestowed upon her by god, which was meticulously crafted. By incorporating additional colors beneath the black skin, the piece represents the concept of blackness as the amalgamation of all colors, while white signifies their absence. This artwork encourages black women to embrace their innate beauty, recognizing its sacredness and value, as the world often tries to imitate what they naturally possess.

COSMIC BLACK
       
     
COSMIC BLACK

Acrylic on canvas

Cosmic black is a symbol of a profound love that is beyond our immediate understanding. It represents the unity of two black individuals who navigate life together without solely focusing on each other, as they have mastered their bond. It encourages us to expand our perception of love and life, transcending the limitations of our current space. This extraordinary love is comparable to the divine love that God has for us. It transports us to a realm where they are surrounded by stars and cosmic energy, hinting at the limitless possibilities of their connection. It inspires us to aspire to such strength and challenges us to strive for that level of love and unity.

FENTANYL DREAMS
       
     
FENTANYL DREAMS

Acrylic on canvas

"Fentanyl Dreams" is a thought-provoking video I came across on social media. It depicts the haunting reality of zombie towns in Philadelphia, where people are consumed by the effects of fentanyl and other drugs. It saddened me to see the impact on the black community and anyone struggling with addiction. The video also reminded me of how drug culture was introduced to this community. It portrays a zombified man and woman, along with a young girl caught in the midst of it all, desperately trying to escape the harsh reality and the devastating impact drugs have on our community.

This piece showcases a constant battle between intoxication and sobriety, a tug of war that reflects the longing for peace. Throughout my life, I have witnessed the immense struggles the black community faces in dealing with these issues. It's important to bring awareness and seek solutions to support those affected and create a healthier, safer environment for everyone.

THE MOST DANGEROUS THING IN THE UNIVERSE
       
     
THE MOST DANGEROUS THING IN THE UNIVERSE

Acrylic on canvas

The most dangerous thing in the universe is black love. In a recent interview with Lecrae he mentioned that the idea of black love and togetherness is not something the elites and the ones who on the media platforms and the industry, want to convey and perpetuate. They would rather mark it violence and separation amongst other forms of damaging vibrations because that's what sells and that's what's intriguing or at least by design that's what we are conditioned to like. We are so much more then what this world has portrayed us as. Our black love surpasses anything this world has ever seen when we move as one we are a force to be reckoned with. And this painted couple before you represents the back-to-back love that we should honor and cherish throughout eternity.

GOD HAND
       
     
GOD HAND

Acrylic on canvas

God Hand was deeply inspired by my mother, who used to sing the lyrics to a song called "A Man from Galilee." Those lyrics made me imagine how powerful and awe-inspiring it would be to witness God's hand emerging from the clouds, offering me eternal blessings. I wondered what the hand would hold and what wonders it would reveal. This sentiment gave birth to an idea that I consider one of the world's timeless beauties: flowers. Even my mother's name, Rose, is inspired by the beauty of a rose. Just picture God reaching down to me, allowing me to place my hand within His, and experiencing that divine connection. It's like the hand of God reaching out to greet you with the most exquisite, heavenly flowers imaginable.

HAIR LIKE WOOL, SKIN LIKE BRONZE
       
     
HAIR LIKE WOOL, SKIN LIKE BRONZE

Acrylic on canvas

In the book of Daniel, Jesus’ hair is described as pure wool and then the book of revelations his skin was described as bronze. With that image in mind, I don't understand the image of the man that we black people have been praying to and worshipping. In my opinion the description given to us in the word describes a black man with dark rich skin and thick hair. This is just another example of how white supremacy has put us in a box and conditioned us to accept this level of misrepresentation and to look at them as superior even more so. This is an attempt to remove the veil from over our eyes and seek the truth. It is also meant to encourage us to break free from these mental shackles and the thought that we are less than our oppressors.

SOCIAL DRUNK I
       
     
SOCIAL DRUNK I

Acrylic on canvas

"Social Drunk 1" and "Social Drunk II" are both artistic representations of the potential effects of indulging in social media. These pieces were inspired by my personal experiences of feeling lost and impacted by the influence of social media. The artwork aims to capture the whirlwind of emotions that social media can evoke, while also acknowledging its alluring nature.

To create a compelling ad for these pieces, I envision promoting Social Drunk as a metaphorical bottle of tequila, symbolizing the intoxicating allure of social media. This bottle would represent a shared experience, meant to be enjoyed with your closest friends and family.

In our modern digital landscape, social media has both its advantages and disadvantages. However, I believe that excessive indulgence in social media, especially when it becomes our primary platform for expression and information, has had a negative impact on us as individuals and as a diverse community.

SOCIAL DRUNK II
       
     
SOCIAL DRUNK II

Acrylic on canvas

"Social Drunk 1" and "Social Drunk II" are both artistic representations of the potential effects of indulging in social media. These pieces were inspired by my personal experiences of feeling lost and impacted by the influence of social media. The artwork aims to capture the whirlwind of emotions that social media can evoke, while also acknowledging its alluring nature.

To create a compelling ad for these pieces, I envision promoting Social Drunk as a metaphorical bottle of tequila, symbolizing the intoxicating allure of social media. This bottle would represent a shared experience, meant to be enjoyed with your closest friends and family.

In our modern digital landscape, social media has both its advantages and disadvantages. However, I believe that excessive indulgence in social media, especially when it becomes our primary platform for expression and information, has had a negative impact on us as individuals and as a diverse community.

A MOTHER'S LUVV
       
     
A MOTHER'S LUVV

Acrylic on canvas

As far back as I can remember my mother was the nucleus for what love meant to me and my family. Although I would grow to develop more throughout description of what love meant she was the epitome of that for me. So, for a mother's love I decided to paint a mother embracing her young child they were holding on to each other for dear life and this is what I feel like it should feel like. Oftentimes many don't get an opportunity to experience a loving parent let alone adults that love them. It takes a village to raise children, yet a strong black woman is 100 of those villages. This is a love letter to all the black mothers out there who endure what life throws at them and still manage to be more than just a mother.

THE LEAST I CAN DO
       
     
THE LEAST I CAN DO

Acrylic on canvas

"The Least I Can Do" is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and love inspired by my own upbringing and the experience with my mother. It captures the tradition of returning home to a comforting, home-cooked meal that nourishes not only our bodies but also our souls. This act of love and care holds deep meaning, especially considering the historical struggles faced by black men in the past.

The painting depicts a beautiful black woman handing her husband a plate of curry chicken and rice, reminiscent of the flavorful Caribbean dishes prepared by my own mother. It serves as a tribute not only to her, but also to the countless black women worldwide who have shown their love and support through acts of service like this.

It is a representation of the love language passed down from generation to generation, symbolizing the strength and resilience of black women. The painting captures the essence of a timeless tradition, reminding us to appreciate and honor the sacrifices made by those who came before us, while also recognizing and cherishing the love and care provided by our loved ones.

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE
       
     
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE

Acrylic on canvas

On social media, I've seen numerous instances of black love in different forms. One event that particularly captivated me was the daddy-daughter dance. Its significance has grown even more since I became a father to my own daughter. I yearn to witness and participate in this beautiful expression of black love. This piece showcasing a father and his daughter aims to exemplify the extraordinary qualities of black individuals.