Lanky and bespectacled, Desmond Lewis, 28, isn’t your typical sculptor. Yet despite the outer looks of him, way beneath his dark-rimmed glasses lies a whole new world. “I am always doing stuff,” Lewis says. What better way to put it?
The young sculptor categorizes in rustic art. Industrial objects such as concrete, steel, wood, and rebar, are forged, carved, and fabricated. Lewis’ most famous works feature “Bout that split tho” and “America’s Forgotten,” all that tell an in-depth story.
“America’s Forgotten,” comes to light 16 feet above the campus of the University of Memphis, where Lewis received his Master of Fine Arts degree. This treasured expertise includes a vertical cylinder of concrete surrounded by crooked steel blocks, sculpted like a chain. This work of art tells the complex narratives of African American labor that he says America has forgotten. “As a Black person,” he explains, “you can only hold so much in for so long.”
Lewis’ art describes the lives of Black beings, from the disfigures of ruin to the smoothness that covers up the history. However, within this abyss pops out a sense of life; a hidden polychromatic, a buoyant placement, an animal handprint. The relationship between the roughness and delicacy is reason why Lewis’ sculpting takes the spotlight.
One of Lewis’ new works is produced using fireworks. “Part of what I like about fireworks,” He explained, “is that I get to be in the dark.” The recent Fourth of July holiday provides inspiration for this project. Lewis’ unique art of fireworks was displayed at Greenwood, Mississippi, where Lewis and his family grew up. “Sensational,” said Kamron Daniels, 24, one of the organizers. Mayor Carolyn McAdams even described it as a fun and safe festival catering where “people enjoyed life with friends and family.”
When asked if the work and expense was worth the brief firework show, Lewis replied with intended humor, “Why can’t we just have our five minutes?”
Lewis’ impact as a up-and-coming back artist has inspired many and brought diversity to predominately white fields. Lewis hopes that his artwork will encourage all to both support and look out for Black people.
Link:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1656879525325x810575523515728800/A%20Sculptor%20Takes%20His%20Craft%20to%20the%20Skies%20-%20The%20New%20York%20Times.pdf
The young sculptor categorizes in rustic art. Industrial objects such as concrete, steel, wood, and rebar, are forged, carved, and fabricated. Lewis’ most famous works feature “Bout that split tho” and “America’s Forgotten,” all that tell an in-depth story.
“America’s Forgotten,” comes to light 16 feet above the campus of the University of Memphis, where Lewis received his Master of Fine Arts degree. This treasured expertise includes a vertical cylinder of concrete surrounded by crooked steel blocks, sculpted like a chain. This work of art tells the complex narratives of African American labor that he says America has forgotten. “As a Black person,” he explains, “you can only hold so much in for so long.”
Lewis’ art describes the lives of Black beings, from the disfigures of ruin to the smoothness that covers up the history. However, within this abyss pops out a sense of life; a hidden polychromatic, a buoyant placement, an animal handprint. The relationship between the roughness and delicacy is reason why Lewis’ sculpting takes the spotlight.
One of Lewis’ new works is produced using fireworks. “Part of what I like about fireworks,” He explained, “is that I get to be in the dark.” The recent Fourth of July holiday provides inspiration for this project. Lewis’ unique art of fireworks was displayed at Greenwood, Mississippi, where Lewis and his family grew up. “Sensational,” said Kamron Daniels, 24, one of the organizers. Mayor Carolyn McAdams even described it as a fun and safe festival catering where “people enjoyed life with friends and family.”
When asked if the work and expense was worth the brief firework show, Lewis replied with intended humor, “Why can’t we just have our five minutes?”
Lewis’ impact as a up-and-coming back artist has inspired many and brought diversity to predominately white fields. Lewis hopes that his artwork will encourage all to both support and look out for Black people.
Link:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1656879525325x810575523515728800/A%20Sculptor%20Takes%20His%20Craft%20to%20the%20Skies%20-%20The%20New%20York%20Times.pdf
