For Na’ye Perez, part of his identity and art comes from the streets he grew up on. He salvaged wood that would later serve as the panels for his first solo art exhibit. He picked up Newport cigarettes that would sprawl across his canvas, rather than the sidewalks of his city.

In “Still I Rise,” Perez combines personal photographs, magazine content, fabrics and Newport cigarettes among other items to create structure in his scenes.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, the young artist’s work is currently being featured at the Syracuse Community Folk Art Center until Oct. 18. The collection includes scenes of black communities across the U.S. In it; faceless figures embrace each other, braid hair and play card games, while other portraits show detailed profiles and dynamic urban scenes.

Perez said the exhibition centers around empowering themes like intimacy, resiliency and affection to represent the black community — sentiments he wanted to utilize instead of trauma, a common theme he sees in art. Perez named the exhibition after Maya Angelou’s like-named poem and the song by Tupac Shakur.

His style is built on an appreciation for hip-hop, rap and fashion, Perez said. Many of the exhibition pieces are named after songs that deal with the theme Perez touches upon. Featured inspiration comes from artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Saba and Black Swan, among others.

The exhibition is named after Maya Angelou’s poem and the song by Tupac Shakur. Elizabeth Billman | Asst. Photo Editor

But while Perez’s art focuses on the black community, the artwork can be interpreted into broader themes regarding sexuality and racist rhetoric — particularly exposed in media outlets, and vulnerability, he said.

“I think emotions and intimacy are not a gender-specific thing, it’s a human thing,” Perez said. “It’s what allows us to cope and survive in this world, and to fight off a lot of things. Especially in this environment where there’s a lot of fear.”

In other pieces, Perez juxtaposes media portrayals of iconic figures such as activists Malcom X and Huey P. Newton. In some frames, their mugshots peer at the viewer behind layers of gel and paint. In others, Perez said, they gaze defiantly, dressed in suits with upright postures.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Perez said different nuances in his culture were things that drew inspiration for what to approach in the artwork.

Spencer Stultz, CFAC’s education program outreach coordinator, collaborated with CFAC curators Maya Stern and Evan Starling-Davis on Perez’s exhibit. She noted that his message, like many emerging black artists, is in part a product of community support.

Perez reached more than one audience with his art, Stultz said. Perez also stressed his personal reliance on the support and accessibility of mentors and local artist platforms.

Some inspiration for the exhibition comes from artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Saba and Black Swan. Elizabeth Billman | Asst. Photo Editor

“He has the ability to do what every artist dreams of doing, and that’s making the viewer feel something,” Spencer said. “He does it in a way where anyone can identify and connect with it, even if you’re not black.”

Executive director of the CFAC, Tanisha Jackson also is a mentor to Perez since his time at the University of Toledo, emphasized the contrast of narratives in his work, noting the general lack of positive visibility toward Black men in the media.

For Perez, Kevin Richardson’s recent visit to the “Still I Rise” exhibition was a testament to the moments he seeks to capture in his art. Perez added he felt honored to be part of creating a space for Richardson to be welcomed in.

Richardson’s story further demonstrated the importance of open conversations addressing racist rhetoric, Perez said. “To spite against that, to really empower people, that’s the way I want my work to function.”

Outside the studio, Na’ye believes that destigmatizing identity is a tough conversation, although it is a direction he hopes to continue pursuing in his work.

“I think my art will always be rooted in my blackness.”

Published on September 30, 2019 at 10:34 pm

Contact Marnie: ammunozc@syr.edu