Is the desire for wealth by the urban poor—as observed in much of hip hop music—so different from the American Dream? The distinction between “getting paid” (escapism) and “selling out” (abandonment) is largely dependent on image and language. As keys of access or codes for exclusion, image and language are ever-present systems in African-American vernacular culture. Moreover, notions of blackness affect every aspect of American popular culture today, as evidenced by our gestures, expressions and stereotypes. This is why Eminem is so interesting. Does he (like other so-called white appropriators) simply mimic black speech, dance and song, making him a natural heir to his burnt-cork faced ancestors fascinated with people of African descent? Or does he (born in largely black populated Detroit) represent something altogether different?

By addressing contemporary black cultural expression, I interrogate, race, gender, politics and hyper-consumerism, among other ideas. And it is my view that the everyday—subject matter from the vernacular landscape—provides ample material. My art involves a process of research, experimentation, play and execution. I am drawn to multiple strategies; often allowing creative ideas to dictate what medium will be used. I seek to create works that contribute to, generate and enrich the discourse surrounding visibility, invisibility, code and appropriation. These ideas frame the conceptual basis of my drawing, video and print-based art.