HOPE RIVER

1. 

   Girlz with Curlz, 2024, Hope River, Paper, print and acrylic on canvas board, 35.5 x 46cm

   • 1

     Girlz with Curlz, 2024, Hope River, Paper, print and acrylic on canvas board, 35.5 x 46cm

   FEAR OF A BLACK PLANET is a collection of Black Horror stories in the form of paintings, drawings, and writings. The aim of the project is to subvert the fear that non-black people harbour towards racialised black people, and to recontextualise Blackness within the Horror genre. 

2. 

   Hot Stuff Menu, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic and pencil on paper, 30 x 30cm

   

   JEZEBEL'S KITCHEN, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic and pen on paper, 73.1 x 47.5cm

   

   III Sugar Hill, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic on paper,  21 x 29.7cm

   

   II Sugar Hill, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic on paper,  21 x 29.7cm

   

   I Sugar Hill, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic on paper,  21 x 29.7cm

   

   SNATCHED, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic and pen on paper, 29.7 x 21cm

   • 1
     Hot Stuff Menu, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic and pencil on paper, 30 x 30cm
   • 2
     JEZEBEL'S KITCHEN, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic and pen on paper, 73.1 x 47.5cm
   • 3
     III Sugar Hill, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic on paper,  21 x 29.7cm
   • 4
     II Sugar Hill, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic on paper,  21 x 29.7cm
   • 5
     I Sugar Hill, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic on paper,  21 x 29.7cm
   • 6
     SNATCHED, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic and pen on paper, 29.7 x 21cm
3. 

   LOVE III, Hope River, 2024, Pencil and acrylic on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   LOVE V, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic and pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   LOVE IV, Hope River, 2024, Pencil and acrylic on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   LOVE II, Hope River, 2024, Pencil, acrylic, ink, and pastel on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   LOVE, Hope River, 2024, Pencil, acrylic, ink, and pastel on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   LOVE, THE BLACK TYPE, Hope River, 2024, inkjet print, 118.9 x 84.1cm

   

   Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   

   Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   

   Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   

   Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   

   Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   

   Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   • 1

     LOVE III, Hope River, 2024, Pencil and acrylic on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 2

     LOVE V, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic and pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 3

     LOVE IV, Hope River, 2024, Pencil and acrylic on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 4

     LOVE II, Hope River, 2024, Pencil, acrylic, ink, and pastel on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 5

     LOVE, Hope River, 2024, Pencil, acrylic, ink, and pastel on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 6

     LOVE, THE BLACK TYPE, Hope River, 2024, inkjet print, 118.9 x 84.1cm

   • 7

     Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 8

     Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 9

     Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 10

     Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 11

     Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 12

     Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 13

     Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 14

     Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   • 15

     Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   • 16

     Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   • 17

     Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   • 18

     Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   • 19

     Shadow play (detail), Hope River, 2024, tracing paper, pencil, and cling film on paper, 42 x 59.4cm

   LOVE, THE BLACK TYPE

   It’s 4OO hours and snowing somewhere in Oklahoma.

   A petrol station is the only glow against a backdrop void of the five senses. The peace is unsettling. It feels like we’re at Legba’s crossroads, staring into the past, present, and future simultaneously. But this shrine-like petrol station, with its sickly-sweet façade, fluorescent light buzz, and air of otherworldly worship, makes the prospect of stepping into the void, ok-ish.

   Two strangers search for their seats on a Greyhound chariot parked out front, it’s passing into the void, into everywhere but nowhere. Checking seat numbers against the ones blazing on their phones every step, they slumber through the aisle. Sleepiness and vigilance, traits inherent to both. He’s in 20a, she’s 20b. Two black seats right at the back. Really, nigger, is race still a thing in the afterlife or just a home comfort during your transition? For some reason, rows 17, 18 and 19 are missing. The two share a look that says, “just keep movin’, we know this shit already, it, it don’t matter.” After a couple of rough starts - something to do with a wrong soul count - the chariot makes it tracks.

   A lot is going on. Cotton shaped weed clouds fill the air, we hope Snoop is here to lighten the mood. The driver loses his nut, screaming federal laws as if it matters where we’re going – he still thinks we’re down there, bless him. Kids cry, pissed their routines have been fucked up because of an 8-hour delay. A broken toilet door hits and whips, fanning shit directly across 20a and b.

   Who are these strangers? Well, he’s got swag, the geeky Kendrick kind. With chocolate skin, a slim build, and wired glasses, he sits at the edge of sensibility. Wearing a checked mantle, silky trackies, and a balaclava, the portal to his soul lies in his eyes and 4c Nappy crown. She’s bonnie, the Lianne kind. With honey skin, a slender Rwandan physique, and foresight, she sits in sensibility. Wearing a knitted shawl, smudged jeans, and her 3b crown in a knot, her smile is the portal to her soul.

   They share a sense of familiarity, though they’ve never crossed paths – so they think. They speak in gestures alone, use a code pre-written in their African ancestry. He passes her his Taco Bell wrapper to bin. Whilst she bins it, she passes him her half-eaten Subway. With bloodshot eyes he watches a strange ass cartoon on his phone, it makes him belly laugh. Though annoyed by the fact he isn’t wearing headphones, she’s just happy he’s found joy. He sees her trying to sleep, so he puts his phone to sleep. They share a final look that says, “sweet dreams.”

   Eventually, they surrender to a comfortable rest. Unapologetically nestled into each other. Legs entwined, jackets turned blankets shared. Two strangers, at the end of this life, anyway, entering one dream of no return.

   It’s 400 years ago and snowing everywhere, but nowhere.

   Dazed, they wake up. They consider trying to stand on their feet, but staying still seems like an omen of the lasting peace to come.

   A white candle is the only glow against a blood painted and sugar flavoured sky. Legba’s shadow enters and leaves its glow. Now, as Mr and Mrs, they still commune in gestures, this time as a strong embrace. Their time is nigh, but “it, it don’t matter.” They’re forever too starved to eat, too speechless to talk, too tired to sleep, too dead to live. When the light dies, and the white wax sets all, that is when their promise of freedom will come to be. That is when the void will envelope their being, but never destroy their love.

   -

4. 

   The R.I.P Phase. An Anagram for The Sapphire, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, paper, and print on paper, [size tbc]
   

   

   Get Harmonica Gel. An Anagram for The Magical Negro, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pencil, and print on paper, 18.5 x 20.1cm

   

   Foresighted Ten Roti. An Anagram for The First to Die Negro, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pastel, bandage, and print on paper, 50 x 26cm
   

   
   

   

   Blacks in Horror. Letter play, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pen, pastel, and print on paper, 14.8 x 21.6cm

   

   Black’n Hogwarts Not Me. An Anagram for The Strong Black Woman, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pencil, and print on paper, 15 x 20cm

   

   Forecasting Rice Hail. An Anagram for The Sacrificial Negro, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pencil, and print on paper, 20.4 x 15.4cm

   

   Wish Via The Toe. An Anagram for The White Savior, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pencil, and print on paper, 15 x 21.8cm
   

   

   Diz' Text Gone Cheerio. An Anagram for The Exoticized Negro, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pencil, and print on paper, 15 x 20cm

   

   Myth Am Me. An Anagram for The Mammy, Hope River, 2024, Pencil and pen on paper, 19.5 x 41.5cm

   • 1
     The R.I.P Phase. An Anagram for The Sapphire, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, paper, and print on paper, [size tbc]
     
   • 2

     Get Harmonica Gel. An Anagram for The Magical Negro, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pencil, and print on paper, 18.5 x 20.1cm

   • 3
     Foresighted Ten Roti. An Anagram for The First to Die Negro, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pastel, bandage, and print on paper, 50 x 26cm
     

     
     
   • 4

     Blacks in Horror. Letter play, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pen, pastel, and print on paper, 14.8 x 21.6cm

   • 5

     Black’n Hogwarts Not Me. An Anagram for The Strong Black Woman, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pencil, and print on paper, 15 x 20cm

   • 6

     Forecasting Rice Hail. An Anagram for The Sacrificial Negro, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pencil, and print on paper, 20.4 x 15.4cm

   • 7

     Wish Via The Toe. An Anagram for The White Savior, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pencil, and print on paper, 15 x 21.8cm
     

   • 8
     Diz' Text Gone Cheerio. An Anagram for The Exoticized Negro, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, pencil, and print on paper, 15 x 20cm
   • 9
     Myth Am Me. An Anagram for The Mammy, Hope River, 2024, Pencil and pen on paper, 19.5 x 41.5cm
5. 

   TO BE STRONG, BLACK, BUT BEAUTIFULLY WHITE, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, paper and pen on paper, 42 x 58cm

   

   HAUNTED HOUSE, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, paper, and bandage on paper, 62 X 41cm

   

   FOOD, FLESH, FAT, LOSS OF CONTROL, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, paper and bandage on board, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   BLACK MOLASSES CARRYING ME BACK, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, print, and bandage on paper, 170 x 19cm

   

   TO BE STRONG, BLACK, AND BEAUTIFULLY WHITE II, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, paper, and pen on canvas board, 35.5 x 46cm

   

   Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   

   Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 1

     TO BE STRONG, BLACK, BUT BEAUTIFULLY WHITE, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, paper and pen on paper, 42 x 58cm

   • 2

     HAUNTED HOUSE, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, paper, and bandage on paper, 62 X 41cm

   • 3

     FOOD, FLESH, FAT, LOSS OF CONTROL, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, paper and bandage on board, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 4

     BLACK MOLASSES CARRYING ME BACK, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, print, and bandage on paper, 170 x 19cm

   • 5

     TO BE STRONG, BLACK, AND BEAUTIFULLY WHITE II, Hope River, 2024, Acrylic, paper, and pen on canvas board, 35.5 x 46cm

   • 6

     Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   • 7

     Untitled, Hope River, 2024, pencil on paper, 42 x 29.7cm

   BLACK WOMEN SUFFER FROM ANOREXIA TOO

   10 years ago I had a friend called anorexia.

   Anorexia sat alone in a haunted house.

   Too afraid to move around,

   everything felt dangerous.

   Food, flesh, fat, loss of control,

   she was desperate to become a ghost.

   To become one with the house,

   to be the one who conjured fear,

   to be strong, black, but beautifully white.

    

   10 years ago a Weetabix saved my life.

   The haunted house was nearly empty.

   Anorexia now moved around in euphoria,

   weighing in at 29 kilograms,

   everything was nothing.

   She was invincible,

   ghost-like, god-like.

   Just one last move to make,

   just one last organ to play,

   to be strong, black, but beautifully white.

    

   10 years ago anorexia struck my heart.

   All but the sense of sound abandoned me.

   Unconscious,

   swimming in the primordial sound of my heartbeat.

   Something woke me,

   them, before us.

   Wholeheartedly holding a spoon and a Weetabix to my mouth,

   black molasses carrying me back.

   -