A Vulnerable State of Being
*In 2016 I was diagnosed with prostrate cancer. These 2018 images are the result of the MRI's and x-rays taken of my body looking for cancer.
This was after I had the prostate removed and had gone through radiation and hormone treatments. They are self-portraits exploring the Black body from a Black sociological and identity context.*
The whole experience brings up thoughts of your mortality, sexuality and religion. My body pose is an act of surrender and protest. It reminds me of the Black men who held their hands up to surrender to authority to no avail. Lying on these machines as they scan my body leaves me completely vulnerable. The target symbols, arms raised, positioned on a block as if for sale. Being a Black Man in America is " A Vulnerable State of Being"
All of the figures used in this series are me. Using my body in the portraits is away of expanding my association with some of the themes and making it personal. The fear of Cancer in your body is both frightning and empowering.