Monday, March 17, 2014

Sugar 2.0, April 2014 at Sole Space, Oakland

What comes to your mind when you hear or read the word "sugar"? Do you get warm feelings of satisfaction or maybe cringe with pinned up guilt? Do you think of it's origins or place in our society? It's history? I first began to use sugar as a theme for a series of multi-media art works in 2011. Initially it was a vehicle for getting into Black History Month. Certain words seem to immediately send our minds into the depths of "Black History" especially as it has been experienced in the western world over the last few centuries. I think "cotton" is one of them. But I don't think "sugar" is the same type of symbol for most folks. This series is a reflection of my study of and relationship with sugar.

The first group of works in the series included collage, stencils, drawings, writings and sometimes glitter in a mashup on various wood surfaces. My intention wasn't to make any specific points or list a whole bunch of detailed information on the topic, but instead to use it as inspiration for making interesting art. Sugar 2.0 is the next evolution of the same artistic process. The new work includes graphic paintings of tender, intimate moments between loved ones, lots of photo transfer onto wood panels, sometimes collaged to create layers of meaning, lots of stencil work and some thick coats of enamel on several pieces... Oh, and a mural in the exhibition space! On some next level expression fa sho. Growth.

Lastly, I'm doing a special limited edition tee shirt for the show. We're doing a special release on the 18th, midway through the show. The design is going to be something different than any other shirt I've done so far and truly reflective of the art works in the show, but simple and stylish at the same time. Hotness! Yall just watch.































































Peace and respect, E