Arts & Entertainment

He is serving nothing that constitutes imitation

Each canvas displays masterful color and pattern with a foundation in conventional portrait painting. Pemberton’s mixed-media pieces feature a variety of elements that give them depth, including inkjet prints, repurposed textiles, and handmade paper. The paintings grant access to intimate moments of close friends and acquaintances of Pemberton. “I’m working with friends and acquaintances who have been marginalized by society in some way and trying to create space for them to be relatable—but celebrated at the same time,” said Pemberton in an interview with California Home + Design. In a press release statement with RAFFMA, Pemberton revealed that the exhibit’s title, “you know you see us”, was derived from a discussion Pemberton had the night he took reference photos with Yashua Simmons and novelist Darnell Moore.

You Know You See Us

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“you know you see us” is a collection of paintings that illustrates the people of our society that have been subjected to marginalization. Each portrait gives an inside look into the lives of these people. Viewers of these portraits are encouraged to put any presumptions they may have about them aside

The direct declaration “you know you see us” tries to urge the audience to look at these subjects objectively, to set aside whatever preconceived notions they may have about the subjects, and give them the time and space they deserve. An important element accompanying the paintings is Darnell L Moore’s memoir No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America. The memoir explores Moore’s upbringing in squalor in New Jersey and his coming to terms with his dual identity as a black queer man. The book can be seen in the painting “you know you see us.” Moore’s book sets the tone for the series of paintings. Posing the question of what it means to be Black and Free in America. The first portrait of the same name as the exhibit “you know you see us” illustrates two Black men sitting in a large open space on a small couch. Almost instantly the use of light/bright and dark colors creates a beautiful contrast between the surrounding space and the men in the portrait. It is also important to note the light pinks and soft blues look on the skin of the two men. This contrast associates these colors, full of life, with beauty, therefore associating beauty with black skin.

“you know you see us” is on display in RAFFMA now until June 24.