Desmond Beach

Credit: Desmond Beach

Desmond Beach is an interdisciplinary artist, the middle son of three boys born in Baltimore, Maryland. He is a project artist, meaning that his work takes its point of departure from specific problems or tragedies. Among his most important works so far are his Color Me This, set of mugshot drawings, This Is America, photos of black men, and Portraits of Insurrection, embroideries which fuse images from the Baltimore Uprising with historical images of black men being lynched, and his performance piece Strange Fruit, where hangs himself from a tree that he wears on his head.

This work allows him to use his body to show the brutality inflicted on Black people in America. Desmond finds inspiration for his work from growing up in Baltimore during the 80s and 90s and his lived experience as a Black man. Desmond's work is also about honoring his immediate ancestors and those of the African Diaspora. He creates sacred spaces for their spirits to rest. He is also interested in sharing the introspective moments of everyday life with viewers. His work explores the internal dialogue and duality in the relationship that people have with one another, as well as creating work that comments on the social stereotypes surrounding African-American men. Another purpose of Desmond's work is to foster a sense of empathy within his audience, create a connection with those previously thought of as "the other," and to build a sense of community between even the most dissimilar human beings. He makes connections with the viewer through a wide range of mediums, including sculpture, mask and headdress, fiber arts, installations, performance, painting, drawing, and mixed media.

More about the artist : HERE