Lynching Blues #9, #22, #23, #24, #29

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

                 

1. Lynching Blues #9, is a grim piece, as the bulk of this series is, displaying multiple bodies literally hanging like strange fruit from trees in the night. This particular drawing was also loosely executed, with numerous layers of darkened washes, to add to the nightly gloom of the subject, glowing in the moonlight. 

2. Lynching Blues #22, is another one of the most disturbing drawings I've ever done. I was hesitant to share it on my Instagram site, but I have to express my truth somehow, rather it is accepted publicly or not. This piece is inspired partly by a narrative recited by actress Angela Bassett, about a slave woman whose baby was literally ripped from her. It was read from slave letters that was a documentary, being performed by different actors and actresses. I remember the ghastly look on Angela's face after reciting the line from the letter. That part of the program stayed with me afterwards, as I thought about the possible hate crimes that took place during that era and beyond.

3. Lynching Blues #23, is rather symbolic of the racial terrorism upon the black family in general. Racism affects every member in the house hold, one way or another. Men, women, children, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters have been victimized, brutalized and murdered from acts of extreme violence committed by racism and discrimination throughout history, until this day.

4. Lynching Blues #24, is another one of those horror film type images, of being hunted and killed by an enemy, who searches for a victim to gain power and domination through fear and intimidation. The mental state of extreme racism, to the point of madness and evil, that swept over a culture to drive them to perform such acts is frightening and utterly horrific in nature.

5. Lynching Blues #29, is another disturbing piece of a man walking along a dirt road, carrying what appears to be a lifeless child in his arms. I drew this piece, with the thought of a man minding his own business one day, and stumbles upon a grim discovery, somewhere hidden along the man's trail. He realizes the child's innocence was taken most likely by a hate crime, for whatever reason of ignorance. He nobly brings the child's body to the light of some form of justice, and hopefully an explanation of some sort will be received eventually. I remember working on this drawing in the break room  at work, years ago. A coworker of mine, who was well aware of the series I was creating, came in and chuckled as he realized I was still plugging away on the subject of racism and lynching. He said after chuckling  " He better not be dead! "