46 years old, 46 minutes of color
ArtistAdrian Brandoncreates work that focuses on the Black experience.
George Floyd, whose death sparked worldwide outrage and protests, was counted down from 46 minutes.
The incomplete portraits force us to contemplate what has been lost in the death of these individuals.
George Floyd. 46 years old, 46 minutes of color
We spoke with Brandon aboutStolenand the role that art making has in expressing our humanity.
Scroll down for My Modern Met’s exclusive interview.
12 years old, 12 minutes of color
What’s your artistic background?
Tamir Rice. 12 years old, 12 minutes of color
As a family, we used art as a way of showing love and celebrating each other.
Every Mothers and Fathers Day included handmade menus for brunch.
With this being my foundation for creativity, drawing has always been something Ive loved.
Sandra Bland. 28 years old, 28 minutes of color
28 years old, 28 minutes of color
Breonna Taylor.
26 years old, 26 minutes of color
How did you get into drawing and portraiture?
43 years old, 43 minutes of color
Ryan Twyman.
Breonna Taylor. 26 years old, 26 minutes of color
A broken taillight, a hoodie, or simply playing with friends can cause the end of our life.
I needed a way to show how many Black lives are taken by police because the hashtags werent working.
We talked about how oddly beautiful the piece looked even though it wasnt completehow the empty space stirred questions.
Eric Garner. 43 years old, 43 minutes of color
I often think while working on commissions of the deceased: What were they like?
How did they carry themselves in the world?
How did they die?
Ryan Twyman. 24 years old, 24 minutes of color
With all of this in mind,Stolenwas born.
What is it like working in this way, knowing what the minutes ticking by mean?
Its stressful and its heavy.
Aiyana Stanley-Jones. 7 years old, 7 minutes of color
Each time I start coloring a new piece theres a sense of panic.
When the timer goes off theres anger, deep sadness, and a sense of hopelessness.
The fact that so many people are resonating with these portraits has made me feel so much more hopeful.
Botham Jean. 26 years old, 26 minutes of color
That has made such a difference in how I feel as I create new portraits.
Honoring these lives is so important to me.
7 years old, 7 minutes of color
Botham Jean.
Rekia Boyd. 22 years old, 22 minutes of color
26 years old, 26 minutes of color
In these portraits, the uncolored space holds so much meaning.
What does the emptiness mean to you?
The emptiness symbolizes the unknown.
Philando Castile. 32 years old, 32 minutes of color
All the questions that their loved ones are now faced with.
All the milestones and celebrations that will never be had.
It represents the hole that is left in the hearts of their communities.
Akai Gurley. 28 years old, 28 minutes of color
The desire for more.
The painful truth that their story was unfinished.
22 years old, 22 minutes of color
Philando Castile.
Tony McDade. 38 years old, 38 minutes of color
How does this relate to the larger experience of Black people?
These fears are so real and so prevalent for Black families.
Minor transgressions can cost a life.
Atatiana Jefferson. 28 years old, 28 minutes of color
28 years old, 28 minutes of color
What kind of response have you received fromStolenso far?
So far, people have been incredibly receptive toStolen.
Strangers have really opened up to me about the visceral reactions they have felt.
In November of 2019, I featuredStolenat my first solo art show in New York City.
I colored his piece for 28 minutes.
I was deeply moved by the conversation I had with his family.
38 years old, 38 minutes of color
What role do you think art-making plays in expressing our humanity?
Art has the ability to pull us in through feelings and emotions.
Art speaks to the heart and keeps our humanity out front.
Given the fight before us, thats important.
We cant lose sight of the fact that this is about human lives.
Sure, policy and systems need to change.
But this isnt just a revolution to be waged by policymakers and legislators.
This fight is about human lives and art helps us remember that.
In addition toStolen, you have other series of works includingBrooklyn Windows, which is about COVID-19.
What else are you working on now, and what do you have planned for the future?
Right now, most of my focus is onStolen.
When I am not creating pieces forStolen, I am creating work that celebrates Black culture.
That our love is powerful.
That our durags are really just superhero capes.
