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When I reflect, I can see now every thought and every positive aspiration I wanted in my life; I’ve experienced it. What I would say is that it never happened exactly when I thought it should. The universe's cosmic consciousness God delivered it to me when I could handle it.
Even then, it comes with a certain amount of responsibility and certainly hard work. We do have some power. It’s a device within us. Our souls. It doesn’t guarantee everything will be easy, and it doesn’t guarantee a long life.
When all of the things I want line up, I am grateful. If they don’t work I am also grateful. I feel every lesson, bad and good in the middle, is a valuable lesson. Finally, I understand one day, with the existence of these experiences, the societal value system will pass . Hopefully, enlightenment will be in place for the next journey. #Happy Weekend #afrofuturism #mikelelam #contemporaryart
I am in search of my higher consciousness, all within the constraints of this part melanin-based vessel. Some say we arrive out of the womb already aware of our destiny. I have always gravitated toward future ideas: new approaches and ways of looking at things. I’ve been searching for humanity within the sea of infinite compassion. Simply trying to get closer to the divine. I meditate twice a day. I try to nourish my body and my soul with proper sustenance. My art practice is a continuation of these values, often leading me to observations about this life and its consequences.
I love all of the art forms. I am most adept with pigments and painting devices. I listen to music, watch films, and read constantly. However, when starting a painting, I work in silence. It gives me better clarity in developing a dialogue and a narrative within the art itself. Once the work is able to stand up; I can then begin to introduce external sounds to continue my practice.
I would say the single most reoccurring theme in my work is about identity. Especially in these times filled with such animosity towards the skin that many of my brothers and sisters inhabit. It is within this framework my paintings are born. The art, for me, is both an evaluation and validation of our existence. We exist. We are beautiful. We are powerful and humane. We are love.
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