We were ones
We Were Ones is an artistic documentation born from the tumultuous events surrounding Freddie Gray, echoing the narrative of a city in upheaval during the uprising. Each painting serves as a poignant chronicle of the series of events that unfolded, capturing the destruction and resilience of a community grappling with systemic injustices, including the presence of a unique Intifada "shaking off" of the city baltimore.
In "Somewhere Deep in My Soul," the body of Freddie Gray becomes a focal point, symbolizing the rough ride he endured. The series, inspired by the streets of Baltimore, utilizes mixed media to vividly portray the visceral impact of these events on the community.
"Only Once" delves into the displacement and marginalization experienced by people of color in Baltimore for an extended period. The body covered by a sheet, stained and dirtied, represents those who participated in the uprising, standing against violence inflicted upon their bodies.
As a collective of people of color, We Were Ones emerges as a voice against the systemic violence and deprivation of rights experienced during a tumultuous period that included incidents like Fargo, and the shooting of POC individuals such as Michael Brown and Philando Castile.
"The Night Rounds" captures the pinnacle of the uprising with a vivid portrayal of the march down North Avenue, embodying the collective strength and determination of the community. "We Both Lost" juxtaposes the two sides or neighborhoods of Baltimore, specifically Hampden and Greenmount, illustrating the shared losses experienced.
In this project, art becomes a vehicle for remembrance and resistance, echoing the spirit of "A Beautiful Ghetto" by Devin Allen. We Were Ones seeks to immortalize the stories, struggles, and resilience of a community united against systemic oppression, standing as a testament to the strength found within shared experiences and collective resistance
If You Forget Me, Oil paint, marble dust, black sand, on canvas, 48 x 33 inches, 2016
Somewhere Deep in My Soul, Oil paint, marble dust, black sand, on panel, 48 x 33 inches, 2016
Only Once, Oil paint, marble dust, black sand, rice paper on panel, 72 x 72 inches, 2019
Think of Me, Oil paint, marble dust, black sand, on canvas, 48 x 33 inches, 2016
A Strange World, Oil paint, marble dust, black sand, rice paper on canvas, 40 x 30 inches, 2016
The Night-Rounds, Oil paint, marble dust, black sand, on canvas, 48 x 33 inches, 2016
Don’t Go Far Off, Oil paint, marble dust, rice paper, black sand, on canvas, 32 x 24 inches, 2016
We Both Lost, Oil paint, marble dust, black sand, rice paper, on canvas, 48 x 33 inches, 2016