Acrylic and Collage on Canvas
60 x 48 in
152 x 122 cm
US $ 12,000
In Spring Break Morning #2, Deceus continues his exploration of memory, identity, and the immigrant experience, using the recurring motif of a red-hooded figure. The figure emerges from a pool of blue water, reaching down towards its distorted reflection in plaid. The bright yellow life rings floating nearby evoke a sense of playful nostalgia while also introducing a tension between buoyancy and submersion, safety and risk. The water's layered brushstrokes and the vibrant palette of blue, yellow, and red create a rhythmic composition that echoes the artist's recurring theme of navigating between cultural identities.
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In Spring Break Morning #2, Deceus continues his exploration of memory, identity, and the immigrant experience, using the recurring motif of a red-hooded figure. The figure emerges from a pool of blue water, reaching down towards its distorted reflection in plaid. The bright yellow life rings floating nearby evoke a sense of playful nostalgia while also introducing a tension between buoyancy and submersion, safety and risk. The water's layered brushstrokes and the vibrant palette of blue, yellow, and red create a rhythmic composition that echoes the artist's recurring theme of navigating between cultural identities.
The series itself is inspired by Deceus' memories of his college years, a period symbolizing the promise of the "American dream." The artist captures this theme by merging visual elements associated with leisure and vulnerability. The floating rings not only suggest carefree moments but also hint at deeper challenges, as the water's reflections blur the boundaries between self and other. The plaid pattern's appearance within the water may connect to Deceus' Haitian heritage, evoking cultural fabrics and the notion of blending traditions.
In comparison, Deceus’ work shares thematic similarities with artists such as Kerry James Marshall, who often addresses the African American experience through figurative art, but Deceus distinguishes himself through his bold use of symbolism and color, creating a surreal narrative space that intertwines personal and collective history. His work stands out for its playful yet introspective examination of identity, often inviting viewers to decode the layered meanings behind his compositions.