Sayart.net - Deborah Roberts′ Powerful Solo Exhibition ＂What about us?＂ Explores Black Identity and Youth

Courtesy of Stephen Friedman Gallery

Renowned artist Deborah Roberts is set to captivate art enthusiasts with her latest solo exhibition, "What about us?" at the prestigious Stephen Friedman Gallery in New York City. Running from November 3 to December 22, 2023, this exhibition promises to be a visual exploration of the complexities of Black subjecthood and the impact of systemic racism on Black youth. 

▲ Courtesy of Stephen Friedman Gallery

Roberts has gained recognition for her distinctive style, which features vibrant portrayals of Black children and adolescents set against stark white or black backgrounds. Her fragmented figures, often mid-movement and gazing or beckoning toward the viewer, offer a compelling narrative on race, identity, politics, and society. Blending collage and painting techniques, Roberts' multi-layered compositions serve as a form of resistance, shedding light on the challenges Black children face as they navigate the world.

A highlight of the exhibition is the inclusion of some of Roberts' largest works to date. These pieces continue her exploration of how systemic racism shapes the experiences of Black children. The artist employs collage as a revolutionary medium to challenge societal norms and create more inclusive narratives. Drawing from materials found on the internet, literature, and photographs, Roberts juxtaposes these elements with hand-painted details to deconstruct stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream visual culture. The result is a rich and multidimensional portrayal of Blackness that defies convention. 

▲ Courtesy of Stephen Friedman Gallery

One standout piece, "Girl / woman forever a work in progress" (2023), pays homage to the art of collage. It provides a glimpse into Roberts' creative process, complete with trompe l'oeil masking tape. This artwork illustrates how Roberts uses collage to weave the intricate tapestry of Black identity, reflecting the evolving nature of a child's sense of self, particularly as they enter adolescence. A monumental diptych, "Tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow" (2023), depicts two identical boys facing each other, as if peering into a mirror.

Roberts' choice of a white background in her previous compositions highlighted the omnipresence of the white gaze. Simultaneously, it allowed her subjects to exist freely within a space free from historical biases, prejudice, and monolithic ideas of the Black experience. In this new body of work, her subjects exude confidence, with close-crop and large-scale formats emphasizing their individuality and expressive gestures. This reflects their growing self-assuredness, as Roberts notes, "They didn't care if [the white gaze] existed." 

▲ Courtesy of Stephen Friedman Gallery

The exhibition also features "Self-titled" (2023), in which Roberts portrays a young adolescent with crossed arms, donning a Captain America t-shirt as a symbol of emerging masculinity. A small, hand-painted Tweety Bird on the cap serves as a reminder of the child within. Similarly, "Girl with the poofball hair and beautiful skin" (2023) celebrates the history of Black hair as a symbol of survival and resistance through joyful, painterly strokes.

For those eager to engage with the artist and her work, a book signing and an In Conversation event between Deborah Roberts and Sarah Elizabeth Lewis will take place at Stephen Friedman Gallery on Saturday, November 4. The event is set to celebrate the release of Roberts' new monograph, "20 Years of Art/Work," published by Radius Books. The monograph includes new texts by acclaimed authors Dawoud Bey, Ekow Eshun, Carolyn Jean Martin, and Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, providing a deeper insight into the artist's journey and the evolution of her groundbreaking work.

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