Inner Reflections
Amidst the swirling dance of perception and reality, our very essence is shaped by the world that surrounds us. Yet, blinded by the distortions of visual bias, we stumble through life's labyrinth, often courting danger at every twist and turn.
Enter "Inner Reflections" – a searing exploration of the visual biases ensnaring black males within the intricate web of American society. Through the stark juxtaposition of black and white, echoed in achromatic prints, this body of work plunges fearlessly into the heart of stereotype and repetition.
Born from the suffocating uniformity forced upon communities of color, each self-portrait serves as a bold defiance against the notion of a monolithic identity. The rigid square format, echoing the confining nature of perception, serves as a stark reminder of the boxes we're forced into.
Yet within the stark lines and bold contrasts lies a deeper truth—a visceral emotional connection that transcends the boundaries of stereotype. "Inner Reflections" becomes a mirror not just of our outer selves, but of the turmoil within, as we struggle to navigate the dichotomies of black and white society.
By embodying the black male stereotype, I thrust forth the absurdity of such reductionism. "What do you see?" the work demands, beckoning viewers to confront the individual amidst the stark contrast of positive and negative space.
"Inner Reflections" is not merely a mirror; it is a reckoning – a visceral journey into the depths of self, societal gaze, and the intricate tapestry of human interaction. Peel back the layers, and what remains is the unyielding truth: our perceptions, reflected back at us, distorted and unforgiving.
Interpretations
Exploring themes ranging from Black Male Sexuality, Black-on-Black Crime, Police Brutality, historical imagery ranging from Joseph Cinque to the Anti-slavery imagery used by the abolitionist movement, and the ideas represented within the black community to discriminate amongst ourselves. I recall being told being of mixed heritage "it's a black thing, you wouldn't understand, or have been told I behave too white. I explore these ideas and more in my exploration of self-identity and the social structures that they are framed in. There are many ways to interpret these ideas, they should provoke thought and illicit conversation.