In My Skin | Jason Hill

NOVEMBER 8 – December 22, 2024 | A.N. BUSH GALLERY

RECEPTION: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 FROM 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Welcome and artist introductions at 6:00 pm

Artist Statements & Info

AFRICAN & BLACK DIASPORA: The African Diaspora is the voluntary and involuntary movement of Africans and their descendants to various parts of the world during the modern and pre-modern periods.

— From the Center for Black Diaspora at DePaul University

“This body of work titled In My Skin celebrates Black cultural identity, African ancestry, and the contemporary lived experience of the community in Portland, through dynamic lighting, saturated color, and portraiture. I wanted to keep things spontaneous and lively  but also be very precise with my lighting to show depth in the image as well as in the person.

In the fall of 2020, local Afro-Pop recording artist, I$$A contacted me about creating artwork for his new song, “Pigments in My Skin.” I wanted to create something distinct and cohesive to show the unique diversity of the Black Diaspora. In the span of six months, I$$a and I invited local community members to come collaborate with us in this project, which celebrates the African Diaspora residing here in Portland.”

—Jason Hill