Artist Erica Deeman is addressing the complexity of identity and the extent to which a portrait can authentically indicate the character of another person, especially when signifiers of class and wealth are excluded. “Brown” is her portrait series of black men that challenges expectation, the ubiquity of the mugshot and the pseudo-science of physiognomy that was used to justify racism and elevate white European features in the late 1700s.
Derek
Commenting on the fact that it’s difficult to find historical imagery, be it in paintings or in photographs, of men, specifically black men, that is positive, “Brown” encourages the viewer to question the implications of character, the impressions we take at “face value” and where these assumptions arise from.
Erica Deeman (b. 1977) lives and works in San Francisco, CA. Deeman received a Bachelor of Arts, Public Relations, degree in 2000 from Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Photography, degree in 2014 from Academy of Art, San Francisco, CA.
Deeman is the recipient of the 2016 TOSA Finalist Award; the 2015 ProArts 2 x 2 Solos 2015: Emerging Artists Award; and the 2015 Working Artists Grant.
Deeman has had domestic and international group exhibitions at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth, UK; The Hive, Worcester, Worcestershire, UK; Municipal Gallery, Library and Cultural Centre, Dublin, Ireland; Old Truman Brewery, London, UK; Pier 24 Photography, San Francisco, CA; and SF Cameraworks, San Francisco, CA; and University of Derby, Derbyshire, UK.( courtesy of Anthony Meier Fine Arts)