Over the last couple years I’ve been experimenting with different materials. I was always searching for that “thing” that every artist has that makes their work different. I shortly realized that in my practice it wouldn’t just be one material but several materials and surfaces. Every painting is different and requires a certain type of surface. Interfacing was something I accidentally found while in a fabric store , and have made it one of many surfaces I use. A similar texture to rice paper.
“ From the dirt”
Acrylic and chiffon on wooden frame
16in x 20in
“Over the past few months, I’ve been in the cut, experimenting with new materials and thinking a lot about my art practice. Looking at artists like Donald Judd, Eva Hesse, Suzanne Jackson, and my friend Reginald Sylvester, I realized I’m really drawn to transparency and minimalism. I noticed the lack of representation for Black artists in minimalism, and I’ve also felt the pressure at times from gallerists, art advisors, and others to make work that reads as obviously Black.
Taking a step back from social media and the wider art world has given me the space to focus on the work I feel compelled to make. During this time, I’ve developed techniques that let me explore minimalism and transparency while bringing in some of the materials and methods I’ve used in older works. I’m excited to share this new body of work and expand on it further”
“Only time will tell” 2025
18inx12in
Acrylic ,glitter , on fabric and canvas
This small study reflects my current focus on refining technique over scale. Working on a more intimate surface feels liberating—free from the pressure that often comes with larger works. I’ve been drawn to the form of the diptych for its inherent duality and balance: one side soft, the other more rigid. There’s something compelling in that tension. Lately, I’ve also embraced a darker palette, aiming to evoke deeper, less jubilant emotions—bringing a different presence into the work.
“Stairway to heaven”
Acrylic , silkscreen,collage,gold leaf , spray paint on muslin
50inx64in
*In private collection
“Stairway to Heaven” Religion was a big part of my upbringing, often going to church with my mother and older brother. In this work I am referencing the biblical Jacob's ladder which is a passage from earth to heaven and represents ascension to a higher dimension. The trumpets in this work symbolizes judgment day. A day in which a person who has passed is judged on their actions on earth, and is entered either into heaven or hell. The angels blow the trumpets as a warning to the spirit who is being judged.. I am also referencing one of the first African American spirituals “Jacobs Ladder” which was hummed by slaves since they could not speak while working. Not only is the song about making it to heaven but also making it out of slavery. It is one of the only African American Spirituals that was accepted by white people and was later turned into a camp song at camp revivals.”
MANNN what a day. Graduated from @svanyc today. And the closing of my first solo exhibition @james_fuentes_llc !
Life works in mysterious ways. Thanks to everyone who has been apart of this journey! #dontaskmeaboutamfa
“Inner City Blues (Rip Micah) “
Acrylic , glitter , silkscreen , collage , spray paint on muslin
52inx64in
Dance in correlation with rap music has always been prominent in the south. A lot of trendy dances that go viral and spread globally actually start in the South. Dances such as “hitting the folks” or the “Nae Nae” etc were a big part of my upbringing. After school I would always see my peers doing these dances in the school parking lot while blasting popular rap songs. Growing up in an environment where there was a lot of violence , dancing was a way for kids to escape their situation. I am also referencing the iconic song by soul artist Marvin Gaye “Inner city blues” where he sings about the struggles of African Americans in low income environments.
Now on view @james_fuentes_llc
“Ghost rider” 2023
Acrylic, silkscreen, and voile on hubcap rim
*In private collection
In the South, having big fancy rims and having hydraulics were a sign of having wealth. When I was a kid my friend's dad would always take us to these car shows and we would spend all day looking at these fancy cars. I wanted to recreate this memory. I first silkscreened a photo of famous 2000s southern rapper Mike Jones who was a big part of my upbringing. I then painted on a see-through fabric called voile. I then attached this to a shiny , fancy hubcap rim. This allowed viewers to see the rim through the painting. It was kind of draped like a ghost in a cartoon. Or similar to how artist Sam Gilliam draped his sculpture like paintings. I was also referencing the term ghost rider which is when someone exits their vehicle while it is still moving. It is also a hook on a song by famous rapper E-40 that came out in 2006 and helped influence car culture. Now on view @james_fuentes_llc
