Social media. A platform used to share the daily lives and content of those who post. When you post an image online, are they still yours or the property of the internet? Who has the rights to ownership of images in this image saturated world. Once posted on the internet, an idea, opinion, an image can be viewed anywhere, instantaneously. It can be taken and modified by anyone. Anyone, like me. Accessibility to virtually any content creates the facade of inclusivity. The illusion of privacy and originality can be exploited. Privacy doesn’t exist anymore.
I grew up in Haiti where the lack of access to information and exposure is a major issue. But we use what we can to create our art. I took that with me when I moved to Chicago. Moving to the south side’s Roseland was not so different from Port-au-Prince. Barriers like the costs of supplies and canvas have not deterred me from creating art. I have a broken laptop and a drawing tablet that I use to splice together images that appeal to my frazzled, broken brain.
My artistic process is a reflection of hip-hop culture. We live in a digital world where it is possible to take images from a simple search and copy and paste elements I enjoy. Access to software I can use to cut and precisely paste my ideas into a fresh new digital painting has been crucial in my success.
I search the internet and museums for pictures I can repurpose for my digital paintings. Digital art represents evolution and the unwillingness to conform to existing standards.
