In this work from Francks Deceus' Mumbo Jumbo series, a hooded figure in a blue tracksuit with vibrant green sneakers appears engulfed in a chaotic swirl of intertwined red and white shapes, representing an urban hose. The figure, akin to a contemporary urban superhero, confronts an overwhelming yet familiar landscape marked by bold colors, such as pink and orange. These elements invite interpretations related to urban life, resilience, and the complexity of cultural identity. The black and yellow stripes at the bottom further ground the scene in a construction zone-like environment, echoing themes of struggle and navigation through an evolving world.
...more
In this work from Francks Deceus' Mumbo Jumbo series, a hooded figure in a blue tracksuit with vibrant green sneakers appears engulfed in a chaotic swirl of intertwined red and white shapes, representing an urban hose. The figure, akin to a contemporary urban superhero, confronts an overwhelming yet familiar landscape marked by bold colors, such as pink and orange. These elements invite interpretations related to urban life, resilience, and the complexity of cultural identity. The black and yellow stripes at the bottom further ground the scene in a construction zone-like environment, echoing themes of struggle and navigation through an evolving world.
The painting draws inspiration from Ishmael Reed's novel Mumbo Jumbo, which explores African American culture and spirituality amidst Western society's tumultuous backdrop. The painting shares the novel's themes of cultural reinvention and resistance. In addition, the combination of imagery and cultural references mirrors the spiritual and metaphoric tone found in Reed’s work, suggesting an urgent need to reclaim and celebrate one’s identity. In this way, Deceus connects the figures' experiences to his own, being both Haitian-born and Brooklyn-raised, balancing the dualities of heritage and modern life.