EXPRESSING AND UNDERSTANDING

​

In light of recent policy changes demonizing the wearing of sheisties, formally known as balaclava’s, particularly by young Black men in cities, I created this piece as an acknowledgment of that unfair treatment and a contrarian vision that reimagines these masks as symbols of positive change in the Black community. On top of a simple silhouette, the markedly pan-African colors create a clear visual indication of the intention behind this piece. Further, the texture surface created by the interaction between the acrylic and oil paint lend towards the ruggedness and “dirty” perception held by the wearers of this cloth. This piece is a rejection of racist notions that associate crime and evil with the existence of Black men in particular.