Acrylic and Collage on Canvas
20 x 16 in
51 x 41 cm
US $ 2,800
The painting presents a figure clad in a red hood, sitting on a yellow floatation device, drifting in a swirl of blue waters. The reflection below, rendered in a plaid pattern, contrasts with the vibrant colors above, suggesting a complex interplay between identity and experience. This image speaks to themes of immersion and reflection, both literal and metaphorical, reminiscent of Deceus's exploration of the "American Dream" and personal growth.
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The painting presents a figure clad in a red hood, sitting on a yellow floatation device, drifting in a swirl of blue waters. The reflection below, rendered in a plaid pattern, contrasts with the vibrant colors above, suggesting a complex interplay between identity and experience. This image speaks to themes of immersion and reflection, both literal and metaphorical, reminiscent of Deceus's exploration of the "American Dream" and personal growth.
The artist's quote about his college spring break experiences and his feeling of becoming "a participant in the American dream" contextualizes the work within a broader narrative of aspiration and self-realization. The circular motion of the water might represent life's fluidity and the cyclical nature of opportunities that arise during pivotal moments in one's life.
The bold contrasts of color and texture echo the visual language used by artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, where layers signify different cultural identities or histories. Additionally, the use of pattern in the reflection recalls Caribbean fabric designs, subtly linking Deceus's Haitian roots with his experiences in New York, bridging cultural influences. The taped "X" over the canvas adds a symbolic layer, possibly evoking censorship or boundaries, yet the reflective figure persists underneath, suggesting resilience and the underlying layers of one's identity that remain, even when altered or concealed.