THE BLUES
20 in x 16 in
Oil Pastel on Watercolor Paper
Framed Originals (24 in x 18 in)
Suicides amongst Black Men are rising at increasing rates as a result of the many hardships faced by men of color, now being referred to as the “perfect storm.” 3/4 of suicides are caused by men with the biggest cause of death being suicide for men under 35. A study, published by JAMA Network Open, found that Black male suicide has increased 80%, the largest jump across populations.
The increase in suicide has been attributed to young Black men being treated as stronger without being offered space for vulnerability. The lack of Black therapists, specifically Black men, who understand the racial trauma, stressors, and discrimination faced by Black men, has also been attributed to the increased suicides.
THE BLUES is a collection of three portraits drawn with oil pastels on watercolor paper exploring silent emotions plaguing Black men — Depression, In Dire Distress, and Despair.
"When you ain't got no money, you've got the Blues. When you ain't got no money to pay your house rent, you've still got the Blues. A lot of people holler 'I don't like no Blues', but when you ain't got no money, and you can't pay your house rent, and can't buy no food, you damn sure got the Blues!" ~ Howlin' Wolf
DEPRESSED
20x16
PASTEL ON PAPER
DEPRESSED (adj) in a state of general unhappiness or despondency.
“More education and higher incomes are associated with a lower risk of depression and discrimination for white people and black women.
But for high-achieving black men, more success actually increases the likelihood they will experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Shervin Assari and T.J. Curry, researchers who have spent decades studying depression in, and discrimination against, black men in the United States.”
Source: WASHINGTON POST x ERIN BLAKEMORE
IN DIRE DISTRESS #44
20x16
PASTEL ON PAPER
DISTRESS; the state of being in great trouble. distress implies an external and usually temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress.
The United States Flag Code expresses the idea concisely, stating that a flag should never be flown upside-down, “except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
DESPAIR
20x16
PASTEL ON PAPER
DESPAIR (noun) the complete loss or absence of hope.
“Men may stuff down emotions. But, they often pop-up in other places and can manifest in unhealthy behavior like increased risk-taking, substance misuse/abuse, interpersonal violence, and other poor health outcomes.
For Black men, self-care might be crucial to releasing stress associated with racial injustice and ensuring that they can be fully present in caring for their families.”
Source: USA TODAY x WIZDOM POWELL