For People That Look Like Me

The paintings in the series For People that Look like Me address Black masculinity as it relates to the four words: vulnerability, emotion, intimacy and trust. The four portraits are of self-identifying Black men and their personal grasp of the impact that internal and external forces have had on displaying their Black masculinity.

The portraits engage vulnerability, emotion, intimacy and trust to establish a new framework in which to view Black men that run counter to preconceived stereotypes portrayed in the media and in family settings. In conjunction with this new framework, the works serve as reassurance for those who may not typically see their own mirrored images, stories, conflicts, and emotions. Every individual portrayed emerges from a flat border to display the confidence each has in defying societal stigmas that have restricted their Black masculinity. The palettes in each piece reference key dialogues, emotions, or settings such as “shoot for the stars”, “men don’t cry”, and family living spaces. Each pose personifies the individual’s own journey, specifically when they began to grapple with their masculinity in contrast to the comfort they have displaying it in the present day. The individuals had the liberty to choose a pose in order to grant them control over their own image. The portraits vary in levels of emotion and intimacy, resulting from each person's vulnerability and trust with the viewer. The work establishes a positive perspective in which others can view Black masculinity. The paintings act as an optimistic representation for other self-identifying Black individuals.