AMPLIFY

 

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Shanna T. Melton

Determined


Painting Flowers Is A Privilege

 

A recent interviewer asked me if "I create art like my life depends on it." It is a question inspired by the great Langston Hughes. The truth is that art has been an act of resistance for Black people throughout history. It has not been an inclusive form as we have been historically ignored and moved into creating images of ourselves in honest and inspirational ways. "Painting Flowers is a Privilege" is about the luxury of not having to fill in the blanks about history every time we create. It is about questioning if, in these times, simply painting a flower will be a disservice to Black Lives Matter or putting an end to injustice. It is about the fact that, for Black People, focusing on joy is an act of resistance. It is about the call and honor to do both.


Determined is about the broken hearts of people of color and the police. The opposite of Black Lives Matter is not Blue Lives Matter or All Lives Matter. There should be no opposite. The response to Black Lives Matter should be, "yes, they also matter" and making strides to repair the system so the entire world can have less injustice to fight over. This image is about how the dynamic attributes of humanity exist in us and all of it matters. We are determined to create change until a change truly comes.

Determined

18H”x24W”

Acrylic on black plastic lawn sign

Flip Side: Shanna T. Melton

Painting Flowers Is A Privilege

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