VOICES I, Abstract Expressions. Richmond VA 2020 Black Lives Matter - BLM

COLLECTIONS:

Places & Things

People

Nature

About the Artist

Instagram

VOICES: Day 19 30 x 40 inches

VOICES: Day 52

VOICES: Day 12 17 x 27 inches

VOICES: Day 48 24 x 21 inches

VOICES: Day 33-2 21 x 20 inches

VOICES: Day 52

VOICES: Day 39

VOICES: Day 13 18 x 20 inches

VOICES: Day 33 29 x 22 inches

VOICES: Day 28 23 x 23 inches

VOICES: Day 23 28 x 23 inches

VOICES: Day 2 24 x 19 inches

VOICES: Day 45 22 x 15 inches

VOICES: Day 17 24 x 15 inches

VOICES: Day 14 18 x 18 inches

VOICES: Day 18 24 x 16 inches

VOICES:
Abstract Expressions

VOICES is a collection of photographic works originating from graffiti at the Robert E. Lee Memorial statue in Richmond, VA during Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests to demand an end to systemic racism and police brutality. The work began on June 8, 2020 and is ongoing.

The graffiti-strewn scene at the statue - now known as Marcus-David Peters Circle - is a visual cacophony of loud and colorful voices expressing a range of emotions from outrage to healing. During my earliest visits to the site, I began to see through the painted words and symbols, to explore the abstract images they unwittingly form; overlapping and intertwining gestures shared in communal outpouring. Each stroke or splatter of paint represents a physical act of expression that speaks to me in ways that the words cannot.

My attraction to abstract imagery is born of the enigmatic quality that invites me to connect with the creator and the act of creating. In this series, that connection ties me to the hands and hearts of those who found a place and a way to speak their innermost truths.

I return to the statue often. Each time, I meet new people and find new voices within the ever-changing displays of graffiti. Each time, I sense that I am immersed in a profound, caring energy. It is this energy that I seek to share through these works.

The People Behind the Voices

A collection of portraits taken at Marcus-David Peters Circle since June 2020.

Photographer, Jere Kittle. Photo by T. C. Moore

October 15, 2020
New York Times Magazine named the Robert E. Lee Statue in Richmond, Va.

#1 Most Influential Work of American Protest Art Since World War II

Robert E. Lee memorial, Richmond VA, June 30, 2020

Cover of National Geographic “The Year in Pictures,”
January 2021. Photo: Kris Graves

Cover of ARTFORUM Magazine, December 2020
Photo: Mel D. Cole, June 20, 2020

Artspace gallery Members' Biennial Exhibition

An exhibition of works from this project was held at Artspace Gallery Oct. 23 - Dec. 13, 2020. The works can be purchased online at the Artspace Shop. Contact me for infomation about other works from this project, jerekittle@gmail.com.
Limited edition, archival photographic prints, mounted on gatorfoam with UV protectant coating.

I was pleased to donate proceeds from the sale of works in this exhibition to PrettyPurposed.org – a community-based program that works to empower girls in the Petersburg, VA area through mentorship and activities that promote healthy physical, social and emotional development.