artist’s statement.
The focus of my work is portraiture with black and brown facial features conveyed with vibrant colors across a spectrum of coppers, browns, grays, reds, yellows and the various hues that together blend into what we call black. I use minimal to no images in my background except for a bold color. Everything in my composition is meant to be conveyed in the face and postures that I have presented for the viewer to study. I often paint the eyes of my subjects peering straight forward as an invitation for the viewer to look back onto themselves in the context of an observer of a black face or a black experience. The story of my people is always shifting and often told by those outside our community. My art is a contribution to owning our own narrative.
artist’s bio
Levon Parrish is a self-taught artist who primarily works with oil on board and canvas. He has been painting for the last ten years and his work has received recognition and awards at several southeastern art festivals. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and three children. Levon is originally from California and has travelled and lived all over the country. His relationship and experiences with the people and land of the US has had tremendous influence over his work.
Levon in his home. Atlanta, Georgia. 2022.