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Cynth'ya Lewis Reed, click here
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(Name of the Artwork shown: "She Fought To Feel Life" by the artist, Pleasant.) His website is as creative as his art; if one clicks on what appears to be a plain solid black square, an collection appears. To me this is a message in itself: "People see what they choose to discover."
Pleasant needs to be discovered by those who need to see the light.
With 55 percent of the African American males in prison, and with 1 out of four attending colleges and universities upon graduation from high school, I had no choice but to share this true story.
Of course the title here, "Credit to the Race" was a bit "satirical" because even the black race in America these days seems not to appreciate themselves.
This artist is truly meant to benefit the HUMAN race. The artist who wrote this testimonial would appreciate any kinds of support or instruction.
What do I get out of this? Sheer satisfaction of helping to pave the way for what I feel is artistic light of genius in a world gone blind.
blessin'
cynth'ya
Below is a copy of a letter from a young man who is, to men, the Langston Hughes and Paul Lawrence Dunbar of contemporary art. He did not ask me to share it, and I am communicating with him to keep him encouraged.
America should never turn it's back on Americans who seek to tell the truth, and to make the world a better place by raising our social and moral conscience. His letter tells the story, glad to share it. Please share this with any art gallery or artistic promoter whom you feel is honest, forthright, and believes in the power of diversity as a change agent in this world.
Read the letter below:
Hello, my name is Pleasant
I was originally born in Savannah Georgia. In 2003 Pleasant emerged onto the World art scene following my exhibition at the Wrong Exhibition. My work is in-depth, moving and sometimes controversial in it''s documentation of the deeper aspects of the human condition.
In 2006 I will unveil somewhere in the World. A totally new type of contemporary art. Titled: �chases me�. Which shall walk a fine balance between a pop-type art and social commentary. This art piece will push the more conceptual aspects of my art style, while breaking many rules in regards to art presentation. It will be unlike anything that has been presented before.
There are not many young African American male artists practicing and exhibiting internationally. I leave the usa often because I have few to no opportunities here in this land as an artist. Unfortunately I am made to feel badly for my art in the usa. Galleries blatantly ignore me and my work. Even when the economic validity of this work has been proven again and again. Some gallery owners have suggested that I have made up my own resume and art credits. Sometimes it hurts in me alot how I am treated. There is much more but I think that it is best that not write such negative events out. I try to go forward in my life. And not let the hurt break me down.
I am seeking opprotunities to present this type of art to collectors who may be interested in investing in it. I do some things in New York and especially abroad. In Europe I have made a name for myself and am getting known. I was in LA several months ago. However, unfortunately it was just the same old situation. So I have pretty much given up on America in many ways.
So many artists of the past left in order to be acknowledged. In 2005 things are no different. There are some black artists who practice their art in america. However, some of these artists fall into such catagories such as primitvism, "outsider art", ..etc.
Many of these art styles are nice. Though many of these styles are defined as that of being "untrained, undiciplined " These catagories have also been established to historically seperate black artists from the main art World. There has never been a black painter recognized in the usa. While being a part of the contemporary movement. Never will we see a black face associated with conceptualism, post-modernism, or any artstyle that is related to being ''progressive'' and or technically/scientifically based. With a firm balance of innovation and technical discipline.
I have represented these things in my work. And that is why so many galeries in America and even abroad too, hate me. As long as the man Just works on the railroad he is swell. But never let him improve the railroad or offer new possibilities of change.
As long as the perception of an entire people is that of participation and not innovation, all is swell. I get death threats to being blackballed in galleries across the entire nation. Not because of what I paint.
But because of what I represent. My existence is threatning to a lot of people out there. And no day is without some sort of putdown of me. My back has been bent out of the years of attacks. yet I continue to try to walk forward. And in that struggle, this art has grown. Even those art people who hate me. Have taken notice that I have not died yet as the result of their emotional stranglation. I continue on with this art that is the manifestation of all that I have endured. My project ''chases me'' will be a turning point of change for this work. Nothing like it has ever been done before.
Do you know any people somewhere who might be interested in supporting, investing or promoting this art. I have funded the majority of these art projects out of my own pocket. However, for my next project(s). I will need some support. I plan to ship some art abroad. And it is out of my budget.
I have written to countless govenrment officials in my community. But I am just ignored. Despite all of my accomplishments I am invisible.
I see their faces here on my block, on my street. The faces of the black children. i see in their eyes the hurt. I see in my eyes the same. And I make true for them, the possibilities of change and growth. I see the black man with his head down. I just want him to look up.
In my city, most black people are servants. Forever pulling garbage cans, forever scrubbing the floors of eternity. I walk the streets of life, with their hearts in me.
As I carry their dreams and hopes upon my back. I try to responsible for them. The years observing life, observing so many faces. I have no choice, I must make a way. I make a way for the faces, for the moments i have seen.
For my mother, for my father, for my sister, for my community, for my people. For the World.
I would appreciate any help, support or direction/contacts that you may be able to offer.
PLEASANT
Fine Arts - Sculpture
Landline: 912 238 1910
Mobile: 912 398 2794
Email: azamat1@msn.com
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Web Site:
Pleasant: Curriculum Vita
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Manes Pierre
Peace and love, Carole
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx,. karen lynn. :D