About

In “Between the Margins” these ten paintings reflect the urban, marginalized neighborhoods in America, specifically the blocks where my culture originated. The neighborhoods you live in are the same blocks that shaped my cultural identity. Here, the “blocks” serve as metaphors for the geographic segments of marginalized communities.

As an African American with deep roots in the American South, I trace my lineage back several generations to explore the history that has shaped my identity and my community. I grapple with questions about origins and growth: How do I come to understand the foundation of where I come from? How do we move forward when, for many African Americans, this land is both our home and a place marked by historical trauma?

By reflecting on my own block, I realized that my culture was formed within the margins of a segmented, gridded place. These divisions are visible only from an aerial view, revealing the invisible lines that define our lives. This group of paintings peel back the layers of joy and innovation that have created abundance within these marginal spaces. The trompe l'oeil framing of my paintings serves to focus the viewer’s attention, aligning them with the structures and politics of my neighborhood through its architectural development and the accessibility of space.

Within these specific coordinates, the structures that occupy the landscape are defined by the placement of windows and doorways within geometric segments. This method allows the paintings to highlight key symbols representing points of access and restriction in my community, from places of worship to systemic barriers that limit resources.

The “OP Block Series (Original People)” tells a story about the descendants of the land, exploring their legacy and the dual experiences of belonging and exclusion. One perspective of the OP Block is a cycle of permanence and denied access to resources. Yet, from this restriction and resistance, dynamic cultural formation emerges.

Just as the paint stains formed in front of building entrances breach the boundaries of these structures, they represent pathways of movement and freedom confined within a limited space. I investigate how Black bodies navigate marginalized spaces and how cultural dynamics are shaped by geography. The explosive forms and textures symbolize moments of expression and liberation within the urban landscape. These bursts of texture break free from the grid, symbolizing trees growing along sidewalks.

The warm and cool colors that oscillate within the frames reflect the time of day and the mood of walking through these environments—from the vibrant hues of excitement to the gradients of uncertainty. These paintings capture the essence of day and night on my block, where value and culture thrive within the margins of the grid and frame.

Despite the progress over the years, economic disparities and structural inequalities continue to affect Black Americans, showing that issues like land ownership and community development remain deeply rooted in our society.

With "Between the Margins," I aim to provoke thought and dialogue about these persistent challenges and invite viewers to consider the resilience and strength of Black culture in navigating these complexities.

-Jamaal Peterman