The painting features a chaotic yet structured swirl of orange and white urban hoses, enveloping multiple hooded figures who appear to be emerging from or merging with the abstract, labyrinthine mass. The varied hues and patterns introduce dynamism, while the colorful elements—such as green and blue accents, paired with neon detailing—inject vibrancy against a contrasting pastel background. Deceus’s use of rhythmic forms reflects his Afro-Caribbean background, merging with urban sensibilities of his Brooklyn environment to comment on cultural hybridity and the everyday struggle for identity in modern life.
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The painting features a chaotic yet structured swirl of orange and white urban hoses, enveloping multiple hooded figures who appear to be emerging from or merging with the abstract, labyrinthine mass. The varied hues and patterns introduce dynamism, while the colorful elements—such as green and blue accents, paired with neon detailing—inject vibrancy against a contrasting pastel background. Deceus’s use of rhythmic forms reflects his Afro-Caribbean background, merging with urban sensibilities of his Brooklyn environment to comment on cultural hybridity and the everyday struggle for identity in modern life.
This work is part of the Mumbo Jumbo series, inspired by Ishmael Reed's novel, which critiques Western cultural norms and questions mainstream history. Here, the chaos of the swirling hoses can be seen as representing the confusion or misinformation Deceus aims to untangle, while the hooded figures are like urban heroes navigating the complexities of contemporary life. The series also carries references to Haitian visual traditions, where storytelling is a central element, echoing Reed's narrative approach. The juxtaposition of Deceus's abstract forms with figurative elements sets his work apart from other Haitian artists, bridging cultural references in a fresh, contemporary language.