Desmond Beach

Lives and works in New York, NY, USA

Artist statement

I keep finding myself pulled to the words of James Baldwin. His reflections on the challenges conscious Black individuals face in America resonate profoundly with me. Baldwin's assertion that "To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time" deeply echoes within me. Through my creations, I authentically channel my own experiences, embarking on a journey to uncover and shed light on the intricate facets of the Black experience using the medium of art. Within my work, I pay homage to my ancestors and those of the African Diaspora. Through performances and installations, I construct hallowed sanctuaries for their spirits to find solace. At the core of my artistic mission lies the aspiration to transmute the horrific into the beautiful — to take the anguish and suffering inherent in the Black experience and shape it into a source of motivation and elevation. Recent occurrences and historical chapters intertwined with the African-American journey and the presence of anti-Black sentiment serve as the wellsprings of my inspiration. These elements compel me to explore these themes from fresh, thought-provoking perspectives. My inspirations come from sources such as depictions of Black individuals during the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the era of the Jim Crow South, as well as their portrayal in contemporary mass media. My creations often confront the racialized traumas that continue to impact Black communities. Through...

Artwork