'The Amazing Black-Man' Series Considers Racism and Struggle in America
Justin Lam — April 3, 2018 — Art & Design
References: kumasijbarnett & io9.gizmodo
Kumasi J. Barnett's latest series of paintings, dubbed 'The Amazing Black-Man,' draws inspiration from classic Spider-Man comic covers, but infuse them with elements of being a black man living in America. The series of paintings are all remixed comic book covers that transform Peter Parker -- and other superheros -- into an unnamed man who defends himself from hordes of brutal police officers. The paintings in The Amazing Black-Man series are incredibly powerful statements and utilize a medium that often does not feature the dark everyday realities of black men.
Barnett was inspired to create this series based on his personal history with comics, but also as a means to utilize pop-culture for social purposes. Barnett described The Amazing Black-Man series as a vignette into what it's like "surviving in America," with each piece also serving as an allegory to the stark reality. The paintings also seek to undermine the idea of the American Dream set up by pop-culture and in turn uses the medium as a way to add a layer of reality.
Image Credit: Kumasi J. Barnett
Barnett was inspired to create this series based on his personal history with comics, but also as a means to utilize pop-culture for social purposes. Barnett described The Amazing Black-Man series as a vignette into what it's like "surviving in America," with each piece also serving as an allegory to the stark reality. The paintings also seek to undermine the idea of the American Dream set up by pop-culture and in turn uses the medium as a way to add a layer of reality.
Image Credit: Kumasi J. Barnett
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