Tent Metaphor
"Tent Metaphor" 65"x 58" Oil on Canvas 2017
In the past few years It's become more evident in my eyes, that global political actions are increasingly on the rise. Land, water, mineral, housing and many more obtrusions are taking away human rights as well as human dignity and acknowledgment. While these events happen around the world groups of opposing parties join forces to stop such actions, condemning the actions of said governments and treatment of people. Tactical demonstrations, prayer marches, coordinated actions and occupying affected areas have all been successful in halting and even stopping the forwarding actions of these violations.
Within these complexities and patient process that determine outcomes, a vital heartbeat seems to appear to me, one that’s been apparent on all continents in times of discontent. The usage of tents stand out like a red cardinal on a winter day- brightly colored patterns that make up tent designs give a sense of softness in an otherwise hostile world yet, providing safety, claiming space on affected areas in mass and all encompassing shielding our hopes and spirt as well as our physical selfs. From refugee camps, land occupation from pipelines to Homeless encampments tents have transcended the weekend leisure usage to a symbol of hope and economical degeneration- survival is first, fight to survive and bring change for the future.
"Tent Metaphor 2" 65"x 58" Oil on Canvas 2017
"New/ Now" 2018 Tulsa Artist Fellowship Exhibition, Philbrook Museum Downtown
"Tent Metaphor, Resistance" 50"x 50" oil on Canvas 2018
“HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, SOMETIMES THATS A WARZONE” hanging Installation 2017
The hanging installation is constructed out of three different tents- by cutting out patterns from each I deconstructed and constructed my own space- the process in doing so was a part of the statement to occupying areas of change- the diamond/ heart shape is a direct correlation to our humanity. The Astro turf beneath the piece symbolizes the pseudo landscapes that veil ancestral lands in the last century to cater to growing economic power.
From refugee camps, land occupation from pipelines to Homeless encampments tents have transcended the weekend leisure usage to a symbol of hope and economical degeneration- survival is first, fight to survive and bring change for the future.
"Tent Metaphor 1" 20"x 20" Oil on Canvas. Solo Exhibition, Bristol, England- July 2017, RainMaker Gallery
"Survival, Tent City in Bloom" 30"x 30" Oil on Canvas. Solo Exhibition, Bristol, England- July 2017, RainMaker Gallery
"Tent Metaphor small" 20"x 20" Oil on Canvas Oil on Canvas. Solo Exhibition, Bristol, England- July 2017, RainMaker Gallery