Jamaican born artist Jae Sterling will show Riding Horses with White Men, his debut art exhibit, in Calgary.
The work mixes portraits with colourful abstract figures, and explores issues of race, sexuality and violence, and the sense of isolation Sterling says he has felt as part of the Jamaican diaspora in Alberta.
The exhibit includes a short film, audio composition and essays in which he first developed some of the ideas he explores. The exhibit runs through July 14th at nvrlnd., a non-profit art collective.
His artist’s statement also suggests a certain universality in its themes, asking questions such as: “Can a history of violence be dissected through art? Why do we create art at all, especially in an ecosystem hostile to black culture?”
Drawing inspiration from the current global issues like the pandemic and global protests, he states: “All of what is happening right now feels like my mind and my voice are amplified. I’m really trying to soak it all in and make art at this time because it’s what I’ve been feeling. It certainly helps. It makes me feel less alone.”