I too can be nervous. I too can be in the clouds. I too can express myself. Do not lionise me or demonise me. I too can do what you do. I too…can. Because for too long, to be black was to be in a constant state of unease, to be black was to be impenetrable, to be black was to be in fear but fearless, to be black was to be in a state of continual flux, to be black was to have no roots, not allowed to float in the clouds like you.

Always precarious. Filled with Angst.

Black Angst is Jaffar Aly’s first solo exhibition, exhibiting his early work. Balancing art and academia, Jaffar’s work is influenced by his studies in Anthropology and Black British studies on Race and Racism. Defined by gestural expressionistic brushstrokes and deep layers of colour, Jaffar creates moving abstract and stylised portraits that are charged with energy and emotion fuelled by the angst of being a Black body within a racist society. All the artwork displayed were formed to rid the angst that sat within, let out just to be filled again and again.

Black Angst intends to run for a week during November. There will be an Opening night with performances. Before the week comes to a close, there will be a closing event with performances also.

BLACK ANGST ARTIST

Instagram: @thatspaghettibrand

Website: www.mycatsdopressupseverymorning.com

Email: Jaffar@mycatsdopressupseverymorning.com

Image: Jaffar Aly
‘Self-Portrayal’ – 2020
122 x 54 cm Acrylic on Plywood