America Unrest Sole

Artist Statement:

"I periodically visit my old neighborhood and feel motivated to tell the story of African Americans that have been neglected in history despite our many accomplishments. The stories of African Americans navigating through a systemic system should be told and depicted. I go beyond the negative and showcase the culture in all its beauty, reality, and essence.

I’m not really interested in recreating a likeness of the people and illustrating their environment, but to capture their stress and pressures that make up their physical existence.

Some African Americans live in an impoverished environment with very little hope and no means to escape. While these conditions can often have a negative impact it helped to lay the foundation for my art and develop my voice.

This body of work shows a celebration of humanity. Although one may feel there is no way out – there is life, such as black women enjoying a moment posing for selfies. While there is police brutality and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within a community one functions as best they can and makes the most out of negative circumstances."

- Jesse Howard