An Ode to a DAMNed Man (2018)
"An Ode to...a DAMNed Man" (2017)
This visual series is an five-part exploration of masculinity, sexuality, and vulnerability in young Black Men inspired by song from Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize winning album“DAMN.”
This image above is from “GOD," the second theme from the series, which calls the men to encompass the expression of spiritual freedom and ascension from the societal hindrance of what is expected from Black men. Lyrics, such as, "This what God feel like..." calls the men to convey their interpretation of the Divine Feminine Energy (the act of worshipping oneself and creation).
ELEMENT (2017)
The first theme of the series, which embodies the individuality, style, and bravado of each man. Taken from Kendrick’s hook, “they won’t take me out my element..”
LUST (2017)
The third theme from the series, which shows the men at their most vulnerable state. The saturated hue of the images evokes the beauty of vulnerability, and invites people into the four walls of the men. This exemplifies their desire to ___ (be seen, understood, heard, love thyself, etc.)
XXX (2017)
The fourth theme of the series, which had the men evoke the accumulating fear, rage, and strength before reaching their breaking point. Lamar's lyrics, "America, God bless if it's good to you..." resonate with the depiction of the men trapped in a wasteland of the United States.
DNA (2018)
The final theme of the series. After each theme asked the men to dig below the surface and unearth the emotions (grief, lament, fear, rage, mental health) society tells Black boys/men to hide, "DNA" signifies the men standing as a collective of resilience and #BlackBoyJoy.
Recap video from first solo exhibition debuting "An Ode to a DAMNed Man" (2018) visual series at KDM Studios in Los Angeles, CA.