Through multi-layered imagery, Shaw’s work uses energetic linework and areas of color blocking to fuse realistic portraits of contemporary young Black males with sketches of historical ethnic tropes. In presenting his subjects in this manner, Shaw reveals an intimate reflection of his personal journey of grief, vulnerability, and healing after the loss of his young son to cancer.
“These works reflect my lived experience as an Afro-Diasporic man born and raised in the U.S. who searched for healing from the trauma of the transcendence of his son. For fifteen years I searched for a therapist to assist with grieving this new reality and the day-to-day struggles that life affords Black men. This body of work exhibit my preparedness to receive therapy and the benefits of finding the correct fit for my needs as a member of the human family.” – Shaw
This exhibition includes new artworks by Shaw, created within the last two years in parallel with his earnest dedication to therapy to process his own grief and healing. The vibrant applications of color, often surfacing black and white photography and charcoal sketches, present a dynamic and intimate insight into each figure. Shaw invites us into each young person’s life to experience the totality, preciousness, and collective memory they each embody.
The exhibition title Movement and Memory corresponds to one conceptual category of the Africana Studies framework created by Black Scholars as an intellectual pursuit contrasting the metamorphosis of African American studies in academia. This aspect of the framework highlights how Afro-Diasporic people move through time and space utilizing memory as the context needed to live in the present, while charting a path to the future that makes space for Afro-Diasporic people to exist in their full humanity with autonomy and authenticity.
Shaw has expanded the honoring of his son, Taj, and processing his own grief by visually centering his relationships with young people and students during a two-decade+ career as an educator in Baltimore City Public Schools. Symbols depicting his memories of his son are collaged into portraits of other young Black males in his immediate community, molding actual and collective memories as one.
“As I was advised by one of my mentors shortly after Taj’s transcendence, there is only one spirit and my son’s spirit will be experienced through my relationships with my students.” - Shaw
Ultimately, the presented collection of artworks calls the viewer to witness the therapeutic markings of healing, and the visual weaving of collective memory.
Movement and Memory by Ernest Shaw is on display at The Silva Gallery x Latela Curatorial July 11 – October 20, 2024. Located at The Silva DC: 1630 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun noon-5pm. A public reception will be held for the artist on September 5th from 6-8pm (RSVP here).
All artwork displayed is available for purchase. Inquiries should be directed to studio@lateladc.com
Artwork prices do not include sales tax or shipping. All artwork original and unframed unless otherwise specified.