ARTIST STATEMENT

Exploring the diverse facets that shape our identities, I question whether it's the color of our skin, ancestral roots, societal classifications, or self-imposed affiliations that truly define us. By drawing inspiration from historical, cultural, and contemporary visual elements that resonate with my own experiences, I aim to express the continual journey of self-discovery.  

As someone with African-American roots, my cultural background defies easy categorization, presenting a challenge that I embrace as a wellspring of strength, exploration, and inspiration. Incorporating elements such as dreadlocks, clothing, footwear, and diverse African motifs in my paintings, I engage in a nuanced exploration of the intricacies and romanticization of Black Culture. Employing an allegorical painting style, I weave narratives that reflect my ongoing quest for identity and the interconnectedness between individuals and cultures on a global scale which strives to transcend what I believe many define black art to be .

Beyond the Afrocentric aesthetic, my artistic journey ventures into the realm of surrealist fantasy, where whimsical, anamorphic spaces and creatures come to life. Here, I visually articulate concepts related to my own human experiences, employing contrast and complementary colors to convey the dualities and complexities inherent in life and human society. Esoteric symbols subtly allude to a spiritual dimension underlying my work.

While my artistic practice places a significant emphasis on the search for identity, it also seeks to express the intricate connections that often elude easy recognition. These connections, I believe, serve as a pathway to transcendence—a deeper understanding that goes beyond the boundaries of individuality and embraces the shared experiences that unite us all.