Acrylic and Collage on Canvas
30 x 24 in
76 x 61 cm
US $ 4,500
Pursuit of Happy SB #1, part of Francks Deceus' Spring Break series, depicts a dynamic scene filled with floating yellow buoy rings set against a backdrop of blue sea, symbolizing both playfulness and chaos. The collage technique layers fragmented shapes and scattered eyes, inviting the viewer to meander through a visually stimulating environment that feels both immersive and frenetic. Emerging hands and partial faces peek through, adding a sense of submerged identity amidst a sea of motion, reflecting the complex interplay between self-exploration and societal expectations.
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Pursuit of Happy SB #1, part of Francks Deceus' Spring Break series, depicts a dynamic scene filled with floating yellow buoy rings set against a backdrop of blue sea, symbolizing both playfulness and chaos. The collage technique layers fragmented shapes and scattered eyes, inviting the viewer to meander through a visually stimulating environment that feels both immersive and frenetic. Emerging hands and partial faces peek through, adding a sense of submerged identity amidst a sea of motion, reflecting the complex interplay between self-exploration and societal expectations.
The work connects to Deceus's memories of his college years and their promise of new beginnings, mirroring the buoyant spirit of spring break. Drawing from his Haitian-American background, the artist subtly addresses themes of displacement and assimilation, navigating between cultures. While reminiscent of Romare Bearden’s collage style, Deceus’s composition is distinctly contemporary, infusing urban aesthetics that reflect his Brooklyn upbringing. His vibrant palette and thematic engagement with cultural fusion also draw comparisons to Haitian artists like Hervé Télémaque, yet Deceus carves his own path by incorporating elements of pop culture and everyday symbols within his layered compositions.