Social Justice
These pieces were created during times of great social unrest and turmoil for the African Americans and Black people of the diaspora in the global society.
American Totem 2022 (Norman Lewis)
This painting was inspired by the original artwork American Totem by Norman Lewis 1960.
In the center of the painting, you have the abstraction of a Klan member, draped in red white and blue. I added other colors centered around it representing that the enemy of Black people is not just white folks. Our enemies are many: the red and the blue, the rainbow, the browns and all these other communities. They are all united on this canvas by hate. But they are following and led by by the white knight in his red, white and blue. I chose to use paint scraps because all of them are lacking in humanity. They are just scrapes and pieces of humanity. These scraps are what’s left when you to live your existence actively seeking to harm people because of the color of their skin.
American Totem 2022 (Norman Lewis). 2022. Acrylic paint, paint scraps and gloss medium on canvas board. 11x14
I also chose to paint this on black to symbolize how each and every one of them has stepped on top of Black people to try to emulate this anti-black racism created by white folks.
I wanted to express how anti-black racism is prevalent in communities with identities outside of color. Anti-black racism is prevalent in the queer community, the disabled community, and POC communities. I hope you notice in this painting while they step on each other, they never step on the white knight. They’re smothering black folks and they’re fragmenting and tearing each other apart, but the white knight — the seed and symbol of racism — remains intact. And yes, I used paint fragments because they’re all recycling hate and lies.
Dear Bigots,
This is what I see when you wave your confederate flag. A history of violence against black people in America that continues today. So if you don't understand why it is time to take it down. Well, now you can see what I see in your Confederate flag.
Your Confederate Flag
2015. Digital Art
These are the players in a corrupt city who serve their interests instead of the citizens. Born and Raised in Chicago and never have been more disturbed by viewing the municipally funded execution of Laquan McDonald. 16 Shots?
16 Shots Chicago
2015. Digital Art