BEAUTY AMONGST THE THORNS
EXHIBIT A GALLERY 2024
Beverly Hills, CA
"BEAUTY AMONGST THE THORNS"
IN THE HEART OF EVERY GARDEN, AMIDST THE VERDANT FOLIAGE AND VIBRANT BLOSSOMS, THERE EXIST THORNS. THESE THORNS, OFTEN SEEN AS IMPEDIMENTS, ARE AN INTRINSIC PART OF THE PLANT'S JOURNEY, OFFERING PROTECTION AND RESILIENCE. "BEAUTY AMONGST THE THORNS" IS AN EXPLORATION OF THIS VERY DICHOTOMY, AS ENVISIONED BY J. CHRISTOPHER. THROUGH A DIVERSE PALETTE THAT SPANS THE RICHNESS OF OIL PAINTS TO THE INNOVATIVE REALMS OF DIGITAL ART, CHRISTOPHER WEAVES A TAPESTRY OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE, ADVOCACY, AND EDUCATION.
IN THE HEART OF EVERY GARDEN, AMIDST THE VERDANT FOLIAGE AND VIBRANT BLOSSOMS, THERE EXIST THORNS. THESE THORNS, OFTEN SEEN AS IMPEDIMENTS, ARE AN INTRINSIC PART OF THE PLANT'S JOURNEY, OFFERING PROTECTION AND RESILIENCE. "BEAUTY AMONGST THE THORNS" IS AN EXPLORATION OF THIS VERY DICHOTOMY, AS ENVISIONED BY J. CHRISTOPHER. THROUGH A DIVERSE PALETTE THAT SPANS THE RICHNESS OF OIL PAINTS TO THE INNOVATIVE REALMS OF DIGITAL ART, CHRISTOPHER WEAVES A TAPESTRY OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE, ADVOCACY, AND EDUCATION.
THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS EXHIBITION SPRINGS FROM A DEEPLY PERSONAL SOURCE: CHRISTOPHER'S YOUNGER BROTHER, EVAN. LIVING WITH CHROMOSOME 1 DELETION, EVAN'S LIFE IS A TESTAMENT TO THE PROFOUND BEAUTY THAT LIES WITHIN WHAT SOCIETY MAY PERCEIVE AS LIMITATIONS. RATHER THAN CATALOGING EVAN'S CHALLENGES, CHRISTOPHER'S ART CELEBRATES HIS REMARKABLE ABILITIES, HIGHLIGHTING THE STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE THAT COEXIST WITH ANY PERCEIVED "THORNS."
THIS COLLECTION OF WORK BECOMES A NARRATIVE VESSEL, TELLING THE POWERFUL AND DIVERSE STORIES OF THOSE WHO ARE DIFFERENTLY-ABLED. FROM THE HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL TO THE NEURODIVERGENT, FROM THOSE GRAPPLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES TO INDIVIDUALS WITH VITILIGO AND LIMB DIFFERENCES, CHRISTOPHER'S KEEN EYE FOR DETAIL AND COMPASSIONATE HEART UNVEIL THE INHERENT BEAUTY WITHIN EACH JOURNEY. HIS ART ASSERTS THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL, REGARDLESS OF THEIR UNIQUE PATH, POSSESSES IMMEASURABLE WORTH AND PURPOSE.
IN "BEAUTY AMONGST THE THORNS," WE ARE INVITED TO REVISIT OUR CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE—A TIME WHEN WE WERE BLISSFULLY UNAWARE OF SOCIETAL LABELS, YET WHEN MANY OF OUR INSECURITIES TOOK ROOT. THIS EXHIBITION REFLECTS ON THE JOURNEY FROM THAT INNOCENCE, THROUGH THE DIRT THROWN UPON OUR NAMES, TO THE FLOURISHING GARDENS WE HAVE BECOME. IT SPEAKS TO THE RESILIENCE REQUIRED TO GROW AMIDST ADVERSITY, AND THE BEAUTY THAT EMERGES FROM IT.
WE RISE AND GROW LIKE FLOWERS, OVERCOMING DARKNESS TO BLOOM IN THE LIGHT. WE ARE BEAUTIFUL AND DESERVE RECOGNITION IN A POSITIVE LIGHT. CHRISTOPHER'S ART ENCOURAGES US TO STOP DWELLING ON THE THINGS WE CAN CONTROL AND TO APPRECIATE THE ENTIRETY OF OUR EXPERIENCES. IT IS A CALL TO SEE BEYOND THE THORNS, RECOGNIZE THE WHOLE, AND CELEBRATE THE BEAUTY THAT LIES WITHIN US ALL. J. CHRISTOPHER'S "BEAUTY AMONGST THE THORNS" IS NOT JUST AN EXHIBITION—IT IS A CELEBRATION OF LIFE, RESILIENCE, AND THE EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTY THAT FLOURISHES AMIDST THE TRIALS OF OUR EXISTENCE.
WE RISE AND GROW LIKE FLOWERS, OVERCOMING DARKNESS TO BLOOM IN THE LIGHT. WE ARE BEAUTIFUL AND DESERVE RECOGNITION IN A POSITIVE LIGHT. CHRISTOPHER'S ART ENCOURAGES US TO STOP DWELLING ON THE THINGS WE CAN CONTROL AND TO APPRECIATE THE ENTIRETY OF OUR EXPERIENCES. IT IS A CALL TO SEE BEYOND THE THORNS, RECOGNIZE THE WHOLE, AND CELEBRATE THE BEAUTY THAT LIES WITHIN US ALL. J. CHRISTOPHER'S "BEAUTY AMONGST THE THORNS" IS NOT JUST AN EXHIBITION—IT IS A CELEBRATION OF LIFE, RESILIENCE, AND THE EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTY THAT FLOURISHES AMIDST THE TRIALS OF OUR EXISTENCE.
REGAL RESILIENCE
UTA Artist Space 2023
Beverly Hills, CA
Heavy is the Head, 2023 Oil on Belgian linen wood panel 48 x 64 inches
Isaiah’s Courtier, 2023 Oil on Belgian linen 48 x 48 inches
Majesty, 2023 Oil and 24k gold on Belgian linen wood panel 48 x 48 inches
Matthew 6:22, 2023 Oil on Belgian linen wood panel 24 x 24 inches
In 'Regal Resilience,' J. Christopher seeks to redefine our understanding of majesty and beauty, portraying youth in a regality that transcends physical limitations.
Through these powerful portrayals, he extends an invitation to viewers, encouraging them to bear witness to the profound strength and grace that emanate from those who face challenges such as albinism, vitiligo, monocular vision, and more.
Central to J. Christopher's artistic vision is the belief in 'beauty amongst the thorns.' This collection stands as a testament to this philosophy, serving as a platform to share the stories of individuals navigating life with unique challenges. By weaving this phrase into the fabric of his work, J. Christopher aspires to not only inspire but to foster understanding and empathy in those who encounter these pieces.
Through these evocative works, we embark on a journey to unearth the regality that dwells within us all, reminding us that true beauty is found in the strength to endure and the grace to thrive in the face of adversity."
Through these powerful portrayals, he extends an invitation to viewers, encouraging them to bear witness to the profound strength and grace that emanate from those who face challenges such as albinism, vitiligo, monocular vision, and more.
Central to J. Christopher's artistic vision is the belief in 'beauty amongst the thorns.' This collection stands as a testament to this philosophy, serving as a platform to share the stories of individuals navigating life with unique challenges. By weaving this phrase into the fabric of his work, J. Christopher aspires to not only inspire but to foster understanding and empathy in those who encounter these pieces.
Through these evocative works, we embark on a journey to unearth the regality that dwells within us all, reminding us that true beauty is found in the strength to endure and the grace to thrive in the face of adversity."
LA Lakers In the Paint Season 2 (2023)
UCLA Health Center, Los Angeles, CA
Chadwick A. Boseman - Howard University Senior Student Show (2022)
James V Herring Heritage Gallery, Washington, DC
Howard University Student Show (2020)
James V Herring Heritage Gallery, Washington, DC