Blackmankind exhibition INTERVIEW EXCERPT by DEAN ATTA

PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE
AUGUST 2009
'blackmankind'
25 new oil paintings by
Charlie Pi
The Crypt of St Pancras Church
5th -23rd August 2009
Tues -- Sun 12.00-18.00
Opening night Wed 5th August 18.30 -- 20.30

Artist Charlie Pi returns to the Crypt at St Pancras Church with twenty five new and intriguing portrayals of the black male.

Based in part on traditional stereotypes of the black male such as : the athlete, the shaman, the exotic and the mystery, these paintings shift and twist the stereotypes to create thought-provoking images around the broader areas of : physicality, spirituality and creativity. Titles such as , 'Rasta and the Bathroom Elk', 'Drop the Pineapple', 'The higher he climb', and 'Olympic Pluckers', give some idea of Charlie's creativity and sense of humour.

After the success of last year's show Charlie Pi has invited three other fiercely independent artists to join him this August. These artists are not 'fresh from College' and like Charlie himself produce their art in and for the real world outside of the gallery system, which makes for an immediate and palpable difference in both approach and product.

Beautiful photographs by Trinidadian Performance Poet, Rasconrad, 'I love photographing aspiring black men. There is a power that exudes from them between the ages of 16-35 that I think is unparalleled. Whether it's his raw anger, deep frustration, hard musculatur or innate beauty, the black man is amazing to capture on film at that age.'

Intricate and obsessive painted construct by Bajan Michael Connell. A builder by day Michael uses all the detritus of his job. From shards of mirror to pipe insulation to create semi-abstract wall constructs where every leave is cut from wood and painted to create magical illusion. 'I want to bring colour to the streets of London.'

Terence McDonald Humphrey (Montserrat Man)
Founder of 'Trunkstore' a developing independent arts outpost who's ongoing collaborative work includes the 'No Go Zones Audio Radio Project' and the emerging 'Aquarium Project' will produce a soundscape for the show.


All artists are available for interview. For more information go to:www.charliepi.co.uk

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• rasconrad
• blackmankind
• dean
• atta
• photography
• the
• Crypt
• of
• St.
• Pancras
• Church
• Charlie
• Pi.

[jfm68]

Well you are a true artist Conrad!