By Jeremy Moore/campus news editor
Hanging on the walls of Art Corridor II on SE Campus is an artwork collection that makes up Black Faces and White Walls: Paintings and Drawings by Rosie Lee.
The exhibit is part of Lee’s Dandy Fresh Collection. It shows how the struggle of African people is not defined or limited to socioeconomic circumstances. SE art instructional assistant Christopher Blay, who is curating the exhibit, describes it as an explosion of color reflecting raw emotions.
In each piece, Lee shows the stylish flair of the South African hipsters and Afro-futurism subculture. Lee says he uses certain patterns such as multiple layers of color that break up space to create depth
and texture. He also looks to create a juxtaposition of artificial and natural elements that address social, political and cultural issues.
“In a distinct way, I want these compelling images to be perceived as familiar yet appear foreign in context and shape,” Lee said. “I want to change the framework in which people see art. The materials I use serve as ingredients for art that feeds both an appetite for construction and deconstruction, creating tension between both planes of reality and abstraction.”
Lee says the basis of his work is focused on the complexity of demonstrating less as being more. These paintings and drawings took Lee two years to complete because
he wanted his message to be conveyed perfectly through his artwork.
“I wanted to show a different image of South Africa that we don’t see too often,” he said. “People down there really have their own unique take of being dandy.”
Working at an art museum gave Lee inspiration in choosing the title for his exhibit.
Photos by Katelyn Townsend/The Collegian
“In museums, it seems like the main color on display is the color of the walls,” he said. “There isn’t enough artwork of black people on the walls. Sometimes our artwork is put on display, but we don’t get invited to appreciate our work like we should.”
Blay decided to choose this exhibit because of what Lee stands for.
“I like that he deals with African and African-American issues,” he said. “This exhibit will be a great opportunity for students to see artwork that is outside of the everyday norm. They get a VIP pass to decode the complexities in this exhibit.”
The exhibit runs all day in Art Corridor II. Lee will be at the closing reception noon-2 p.m. March 3. For more information, contact Blay at 817-515-3406 or christopher.blay@tccd.edu.
