Artist Statement
"Brush and Focus" is a deeply personal exploration of the layered realities that define our existence. As a Detroit native and self-taught abstract multimedia artist, my work has always been rooted in the desire to illuminate silenced voices and foster essential conversations about social equity. Drawing inspiration from the evocative photography and illustrations of King Khloe Katz, this exhibition marks a new chapter in my artistic journey—a debut in photography yet rooted in the expressive power of painting.
"Brush and Focus" explores the interplay between the seen and unseen, the real and imagined. By merging photography with tactile elements like gold leaf and glossy finishes, I elevate everyday moments into the sacred, inviting viewers to engage with deeper narratives. While I could have digitally designed the photos before printing, this show emphasizes how my painting skills complement my emerging photography, teaching me precision and intentionality. I am intentional with technology, preserving the power of handcrafted storytelling, especially for the meaningful stories of my subjects.
The exhibition draws from projects that are particularly meaningful to me, including the JOY Project, the BabaQue™ event, and the REDD EXPERIENCE. Through the JOY Project’s tenets of Recognition, Remembering, Reconciliation, and Restoration, I invite viewers to engage with the land's history, indigenous practices, and the African Atlantic experience that continue to shape our collective relationship with the soil and each other. The portraits from the BabaQue™ event honor the divine masculine and the enduring legacy of African ancestral traditions within Detroit’s cultural landscape. The REDD EXPERIENCE photos celebrate the resilience and creativity of LGBTQ artists, showcasing how visibility becomes an act of defiance and joy. These pieces, alongside my nature and water shots, compose a love letter to Detroit. In this city, urban resilience meets natural beauty, and where both the land and its people are in constant, dynamic evolution.
In addition to these representational works, the abstract paintings in "Brush and Focus"—including "Proof of Life," "Triumph," and "Worlds Collide"—offer a more introspective exploration of the same themes. Bold and expressive, these pieces delve into the internal landscapes of resilience, conflict, and transformation. The "Grain and Vivid" series, with its interplay of natural wood grain and vibrant abstract forms, further explores the tension and harmony between the natural world and human creativity, mirroring the layered realities that permeate the entire exhibition.
As the Founder and CEO of Beebe Arts LLC and an educator committed to equity and innovation, this exhibition reflects my mission to spark vital conversations and inspire change. "Brush and Focus" is a space where art and community meet, celebrating the layers of our shared and individual experiences. I invite you to explore these works with an open heart, discover your own connections, and leave with a renewed sense of wonder.