This is the first piece I started working on for the BIG WORDS show. Throughout the process of making this work I realized that art has always been my way of understanding how I see the world so I relate to this painting as an exercise to investigate how I see this business and what it represents. This Pride Cleaners, built in 1959, was a landmark for me growing up. It stood out so much and has always been my favorite building in the community. As it relates to this body of work, I began to question what message it was sending out and it’s significance in developing my sense of self in the environment I was raised. I love this place, and I love how we (all people) lean into empowering ideas to affirm ourselves and shield against the abuse of this world. However not everyone grew up in homes that instilled values like pride and when these values are used to sell a product or service it implies we can fill these voids with material things/services. I don’t think that was the intention of the space at all but that’s what I see. Yes going to the cleaners can make you feel confident but growing up here what I also saw was; being able to have your clothes dry cleaned regularly also severed as a vehicle for some black folk to try to outclass other black people. Let’s address that without condemning one another. #theBurdenOfBlackExceptionalism BIG WORDS Exhibition Closing event this Friday May 27th starting at 6pm. There will new works on paper and editioned prints for purchase, merchandise in the giftshop, live entertainment from Dj Bonita apple blunt and cocktails by our partner Herradura Tequila. RSVP for the closing through the link in my bio. Happy Tuesday from Portland, Oregon.