.
Statement
As a child growing up in rural west Tennessee, being different meant
not being accepted. Avoiding discrimination - taking on a “cloak
of normalcy” was a skill I acquired at a very young age. African
American’s were the only other outsiders I knew. Their uniqueness
however, was always apparent. They could not hide the fact they were
darker skinned. I learned early on, to hide my homosexuality and became
a master of deception into my adulthood, always fearful my true self
would be revealed. I was ashamed and afraid of being hated, a “nigger”
of another color. The African American’s I knew were proud and
more often than not, they were defiant of the oppression placed on
them by society. They wore their true selves on the outside in a way
I both admired and feared. To me they were warriors of honesty and
pride. These images are not so much about nudity as they are expressions
of self revelation and truth. This relates to my personal experiences
as a gay man on many levels. I believe it is only through living an
outward, honest and even defiant life that gay people will ever truly
be free of fear and shame. Living our truth proudly is our greatest
weapon against oppression and discrimination.
Exhibitions
ELECTRIC BLANKET - High Museum of Art, Atlanta GA
SELF EXPOSURE The Contemporary, Atlanta GA
PAINT IN THE PODS - Westin Peachtree Gallery, Atlanta GA
MY SUMMER Gallery 1150, Atlanta GA
BODIES & OBJECTS Galeria Zero, Barcelona Spain
SEE EYE SEE B Complex Gallery, Atlanta GA
HOPE & DEFIANCE Outwrite, Atlanta GA
EYE CANDY Outwrite, Atlanta GA
Education & Awards
The Art Institute of Atlanta
Recipient of The Kodak Medallion of Excellence
