Ebony G. Patterson …when they grow up… March 24 – June 26, 2016 The Studio Museum in Harlem
This publication was produced by Monique Meloche Gallery on the occasion of artist Ebony G. Patterson’s first solo exhibition at the The Studio Museum in Harlem in Spring 2016.
© 2016
Installation views All photos by Adam Reich for the Studio Museum
Painter and mixed-media artist Ebony G. Patterson’s (b. 1981) site specific installation …when they grow up… uses an immersive viewer experience to question a systemic inability to see black children as innocent and vulnerable. The artist has based the installation around the concept of ephebiphobia, the fear of youth and young people. Patterson pushes back against the perception that black children are adult-like by situating a series of portraits in an environment that recalls a child’s playroom– with its bright colors, lively patterns and toys– asking viewers to see the humanity and innocence of her young subjects. Through images, Patterson forces viewers to engage with the work from a perspective of a child. The installation mimics a playful atmosphere that brings a child’s imaginary, fun-filled world to life. Building off recent cases of police brutality against young children, including Tamir Rice and Aiyana Stanley-Jones, as well as the disturbing recent increase in violent child murders in her hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, Patterson presents figures that look out from their portraits with decidedly childlike wonderment or silliness. Patterson creates a particular sense of innocence that contradicts the reality of slain children in the news– a dichotomy between the stark inequity faces by black youth and the universal naivety of childhood, Patterson hopes viewers will confront their prejudices or preconceptions. This is Patterson’s first solo presentation at the Studio Museum. Her work was previously included in the group exhibition Caribbean: Crossroads of the World (2012). Patterson lives and works in Lexington, Kentucky.
Ebony G. Patterson: …when they grow up… is organized by Lauren Haynes, Associate Curator, Permanent Collection.
...they were just boys...(...when they grow up...), 2015-2016 Beads, appliques, fabric, glitter, ribbons, and adhesive on digital print on hand-cut matte photo paper, with hand-embellished plastic toy guns 88 x 116 1/2 in. (223.52 x 295.91 cm)
12 (...when they grow up...), 2016 Beads, appliques, patches, ribbons, rhinestones, fabric, stickers, plastic alphabet letters, plastic numbers, glitter, feathered butterflies, buttons, costume jewelry, trimming, toy car, pins, and glue on digital print, on hand-cut watercolor paper 73 x 51 in. (185.42 x 129.54 cm)
14 (...when they grow up...), 2016 Beads, appliques, patches, fabric, glitter, buttons, costume jewelry, trimming, bows, rhinestones, plastic alphabet letters, feathered butterflies, pins and glue on digital print, on hand-cut watercolor paper 61 x 49 in. (154.94 x 124.46 cm)
17 (...when they grow up...), 2016 Beads, appliques, patches, fabric, glitter, buttons, costume jewelry, trimming, rhinestones, toy car, feathered butterflies, pins and glue on digital print, on hand-cut matte photo paper 66 x 51 in. (167.64 x 129.54 cm)
18 (...when they grow up...), 2016 Beads, appliques, fabric, glitter, sequins, buttons, costume jewelry, trimming, rhinestones, plastic alphabet letters, birthday ribbons, pins and glue on hand-cut watercolor paper 66 1/2 x 53 in. (168.91 x 134.62 cm)
...they were just hanging out...you know....talking about...(...when they grow up...), 2016 Beads, appliques, patches, fabric, glitter, buttons, bows, costume jewelry, feathered butterflies, trimming, rhinestones, plastic alphabet letters, plastic numbers, toy watch, pins, and glue on digitally manipulated print on hand-cut matte photo paper 224 x 90 in. (568.96 x 228.6 cm)
...just a baby...(...when they grow up...), 2016 Handmade shoes, tent, plastic flowers, costume jewelry, appliques, trimming, backpack, stuffed toys, fabric balloon, feathered butterflies with handmade banner Dimensions variable, approx. 5 x 4 feet
moniquemeloche was founded in October 2000 with an inaugural exhibition titled Homewrecker at Meloche’s home, and officially opened to the public in May 2001. Working with an international group of emerging artists in all media, the gallery presents conceptually challenging installations in Chicago and at art fairs internationally with an emphasis on curatorial and institutional outreach.