"Brutally Honest" was featured as a public installation at the Burchfield Penney Art Center
May 7 – October 31, 2021
"A significant amount of societal tension has built up in our country within the past year, ultimately leading to the creation of this piece. The year 2020 brought much anguish to my mind regarding the politics of the justice system and how it directly affects the black community. I wanted to make a painting in honor of my grief and frustration whilst witnessing the injustice towards people of African descent. Ethnicity aside, no individual should be victimized or have their life taken based on their biological makeup, accompanied with unnecessary brutality. I have always been a firm believer in recognizing patterns. Black hate crimes have been reoccurring throughout history. That is why I think the best way to resolve this abuse of power is to vocally exchange perspectives and insight on individual experiences. Many minorities are hesitant to come forward out of fear from their own experiences of discrimination, as many of these instances are traumatic in nature. With time, I hope that they may find the courage to come forward and speak their truth to share with the masses and further the progress we have already seen thus far. This piece directly focuses on the verbal language that is necessary in aiding the progression of equality and justice towards minorities. Though much progress has been made regarding the injustice of people of color, we have only scratched the surface of additional conversations. We must continue to fight for the equality that all people deserve and never allow ourselves to be silenced. Life is endless color. Colors may vary, but in the end, they are still technically color."
On view at Burchfield Penney Art Center from Friday, May 7–Sunday, October 31, 2021