Thesis Exhibition: April 8 – April 11, 2015

Opening Reception: April 10, 6 – 8:30 PM
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 11 AM – 6 PM

My paintings exist literally where the art world and the physical world meet.  The subjects in my work mostly being bodybuilders; images I have encountered in Muscle magazines since the 1990’s, and continued to investigate throughout the next several years on the internet.  The pictures I encountered within these various forms of media tell a story which is one experience in bodybuilding. But there is more that is being touched on than just the iconic symbol of a perfect body, or a sub-category of pop culture.  It is important to unveil the social aspect of body politics to address ongoing stereotypes about African-Americans and how the institution of slavery, which was imposed on Blacks has over the centuries become internalized.  Bodybuilders either defeat this notion or do the opposite which is they potentially seem to fall into this category.

All images courtesy of the artist.