Stark light and deep darkness reveal a space between the physical and the spiritual. A space where objects, human forms and shadows cast become surreal, mystically charged metaphors and symbols. Symbols of tragic flaw and Grace. Metaphors for transience and transcendence. My drawings reference and synthesize the timeless religious imagery and motifs of the Christian East and West. I draw heavy inspiration from the books of Jeremiah, Psalms and especially Ecclesiastes. Sin, corruption, suffering; the fragility of body and spirit are addressed and lamented in these highly introspective drawings. Candid confession is juxtaposed with glimpses of revelation and redemption.

Simultaneously, the work is referencing the use of religious and royal motifs and imagery in popular culture. The Basquiat-style crown—endlessly cited by rappers, pop stars and the fashion world alike—is included, as well as the halo. In pop culture, these motifs are being used to explore self-empowerment and apotheosis. In my portraits, these displays of power and divinity are mimicked, but have an inverse and antithetical effect, revealing an emptiness and vanity manifested in paper and fleeting shadows…