Tavarus Blackmon Lecture

(Tavarus Blackmon beginning his lecture)

Tavarus Blackmon came to Sacramento State University on March 14, 2019 to discuss his recent exhibit at the Verge Gallery called Exquisite Diversion.  Blackmon really wanted to utilize the space he was given to show is art and he did this extremely well through installation, paintings, projections, and 3 dimensional videos as well as print experimenting.  His works displayed in the exhibit touch on several issues.  For example, the “sinister” aspect of being black in America, masculine toxicity, violence, and consumerism.  How he achieves these messages is by intertwining a sense of playfulness with serious subjects. As a father of three he seemed to not be able to help that his work has this element of play in it even though he mentioned he didn’t want his work to be playful, he actually wanted it to be serious.  Eventually, he excepted this aspect in his work.  

What struck me the most in Blackmon’s work and in his lecture was his series of the ginger bread man prints.  He uses this well known character as a symbol to represent himself and his experiences. It’s both personal and political. In these series there are other reoccurring characters.  The oven symbolizes his mother.  He was raised by his mother who is white and couldn’t fully help him navigate life as an African American.  Then there’s the alligator, which is representative of his father, who wasn’t apart of his life growing up.  He actually tried finding his father when he was younger.  This is the personal aspect of the series.  The political aspect comes from the fact that the ginger bread man is always running.  There is an element of danger, irony, and movement that is symbolic of the black experience in America.  The gingerbread man’s desire is constantly foreshadowed with danger.  No matter what, the ginger bread man is always going to get consumed.  Blackmon stated, “I didn’t think it would be political because I was using the gingerbread man but I realized it was as they’re all dying.”  He also pointed out that “there is something disturbing about being American and that he has a right to be critical of the place he lives in.” Which is very true.  We live in this society where we have just excepted this culture of consumerism, racism, and corruption.  As Blackmon also mentioned you have to be able to “eat it, buy it, or fuck it for it to have value.”   When will America open their eyes and see the bigger picture?  

I like that Blackmon isn’t afraid to take his work to this political place and question the very institution in which he lives.  It is also very exciting that he can do this while incorporating personal aspects in his work while keeping them visually pleasing. It seems rare that one can make their art personal, political, and enjoyable.  This demonstrates his abilities as an artist which is very inspiring.  I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

Tavarus Blackmon

The Great Escape

latex on canvas, 5 x 5 feet, 2016

Tavarus Blackmon