Philosophies that changed my art

By: Justin Williams- Owner of Taino Studios

Shot of me while working on my senior capstone for Delaware State University

Welcome to my artistic world, where I delve into the intricate relationship between capitalism and the human soul through my expressive works. Using mediums such as graphite, charcoal, and fine art, I create striking images that provoke contemplation on the darker facets of capitalist society. My art aims to illuminate the commodification of the human spirit and the enduring class divides perpetuated by capitalist systems. Through each piece, I invite viewers to reflect on the profound impacts of economic structures on individual identity and societal values

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"The Fights Within & the dance between pain & pleasure"

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The fight within 2022

Through my artworks, I seek to illuminate how capitalist systems often reduce human beings to mere commodities. In pieces like "The fights within" and "The Dance Between Pain & Pleasure," I depict the internal struggles individuals face as they navigate societal pressures and economic demands.

These works symbolize how our aspirations, emotions, and even identities can be packaged, marketed, and sold in pursuit of profit. By highlighting the tension between personal fulfillment and economic survival, my art challenges viewers to reconsider the true cost of progress and the impact of commodification on the human spirit.

The dance between pain and please 2021

In my artworks, such as "The fights within" and "The Dance Between Pain & Pleasure," I delve into the class disparities perpetuated by capitalist systems, particularly how they disproportionately affect African Americans. These pieces depict the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, privilege and marginalization, which are often exacerbated along racial lines. Through visual metaphors and symbolism, I highlight how systemic inequalities manifest in everyday life, from economic opportunities to access to basic resources.

By portraying these disparities, my art aims to provoke critical reflection on the social and economic structures that perpetuate inequality and marginalization within African American communities under capitalism.

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"The Finish Line" and "Love Isn't Just a Feeling"

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The finish line 2021

"The Finish Line" and "Love Isn't Just a Feeling" in my art portfolio serve to illuminate the monotony and disillusionment inherent in capitalist labor. Through stark imagery and emotive symbolism, these pieces capture the repetitive nature and emotional toll of working within a capitalist framework.

"The Finish Line" depicts the relentless pursuit of material success, where individuals are caught in a perpetual race towards an elusive endpoint, often sacrificing personal fulfillment and well-being in the process. Conversely, "Love Isn't Just a Feeling" explores the emotional emptiness that can accompany labor under capitalism, emphasizing how the quest for productivity and profit can overshadow deeper human connections and intrinsic values.

These artworks aim to provoke contemplation on the human cost of labor within capitalist systems, urging viewers to reconsider the true meaning of fulfillment and happiness beyond material pursuits.

My work starkly reveals the hollowness of capitalist ideals by portraying the emotional and spiritual emptiness that often accompanies relentless pursuit of profit and productivity. These artworks delve into the disillusionment and existential void experienced by individuals caught in the rat race of capitalist labor.

"The Finish Line" symbolizes the elusive nature of success and the endless striving for material wealth, highlighting how such pursuits can lead to a shallow and unsatisfying existence. Meanwhile, "Love Isn't Just a Feeling" underscores the neglect of emotional and interpersonal fulfillment in favor of economic productivity, emphasizing the human toll of prioritizing capitalist ideals over holistic well-being. Through these pieces, I aim to critique and challenge the superficiality and lack of genuine fulfillment fostered by capitalist systems, encouraging viewers to reflect on alternative measures of success and happiness beyond monetary gain.

Love isn't just a feeling 2021

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Philosophers that inspire my artwork

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W.E.B. Du Bois:

A prominent sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist. He co-founded the NAACP and argued for full civil rights and increased political representation for African Americans.

Alain Locke

Known as the "Father of the Harlem Renaissance," Locke was a philosopher, writer, and educator. He emphasized the importance of African American culture and art as sources of pride and self-worth, helping to shape the cultural movement of the Harlem Renaissance.

Langston Hughes

A poet, novelist, and playwright, Hughes was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. His works, which often explored themes of African American identity, resilience, and the struggles of everyday life, celebrated the beauty and strength of African American culture.

These philosophers and writers have profoundly influenced my artistic perspective by inspiring me to explore themes of identity, social justice, and the human condition in my art. Their emphasis on cultural pride, resilience, and the exploration of complex social issues has encouraged me to create works that challenge assumptions and provoke thought, aiming to contribute to broader conversations about race, history, and society through my artistic expression.

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In all

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The philosophies of figures like Alain Locke and Langston Hughes have deeply influenced my artistic journey by encouraging a critical examination of societal issues, including the effects of capitalism. Their emphasis on cultural identity, social justice, and the experiences of marginalized communities has inspired me to use my art as a tool for critique and reflection. Through my work, I aim to explore the complexities of capitalism, exposing its inequalities and challenging viewers to reconsider their assumptions about progress and societal norms. Their philosophies have provided a foundation for me to engage with themes of human experience, resilience, and the quest for social equity in my artistic practice.

My artwork delves into the intricate relationship between capitalism and the human condition, highlighting themes of commodification, inequality, and the impact on marginalized communities, including African Americans. Through mediums like graphite, charcoal, and fine art, I explore the darker aspects of capitalist society, exposing how it commodifies the human spirit and perpetuates class divides. Pieces like "The Fights Within" and "The Dance Between Pain & Pleasure" illustrate these concepts vividly, while works such as "The Finish Line" and "Love Isn't Just a Feeling" underscore the drudgery of capitalist labor and its hollow promises. Overall, my art challenges viewers to reconsider the true costs and consequences of societal progress under capitalism, fostering contemplation and dialogue about its broader implications on humanity.

Explore more of my artwork and delve deeper into the themes of capitalism and the human condition on my website or social media platforms. Witness how graphite, charcoal, and fine art mediums intertwine to depict the complexities of our society. Join me in reflecting on the commodification of the human spirit, the inequalities perpetuated by capitalist systems, and their impact on marginalized communities. Let's embark on a journey of introspection and dialogue about the true costs of progress. Connect with me to discover more.

Join the conversation on the intersection of capitalism and art! Your thoughts and perspectives matter. Let's engage in meaningful discussions about how art can challenge, critique, and reflect upon the complexities of capitalist systems. Share your insights, questions, and reflections to foster a deeper understanding of the societal impacts portrayed in my artwork. Together, we can explore these themes and their relevance to our world today. Let's spark dialogue and inspire change through art.