I am really excited about an upcoming series of events about policing, violence, and resistance that I am currently organizing. The events kick off on March 18th and include an art exhibit designed by my friend Billy Dee that opens on March 19th. I am excited that we will have several pieces of art created by youth. Throughout this week, I plan to share some of the artwork that will be on display from March 19-29.

We begin with art by Anderson Chaves who is a member of LuchArte here in Chicago.

“Life” by Anderson Chaves (do not reproduce without artist permission)

Artist Statement:

“Life”
Anderson Chaves
Acrylic on Canvas

Fifteen-year-old Anderson grew up in Cicero and is a sophomore at Morton West High School. He wants to attend college but is unsure at this point what he wants to study. Psychology, business, and art are interests of his but he has a lot of things on his mind. He isn’t sure where to go or what to concentrate his ideas on. One thing for sure is that he is a dreamer and is committed to following through with his word.

The painting symbolizes him in the center, kneeling down to the ground. The cloud above represents his dreams of what he wants to accomplish in the future- graduation, having a family, painting, and earning his diploma. Below, on the ground, resembles items from his past, but in a way are still his present: a gun, a knife, alcohol bottles, and money. As Anderson is trying to get better and recover from his past, it takes him a long time to get there. However, it takes the officer as little as 30 seconds to push him down and make him feel like a criminal.

On the side of the painting there is a tree without leaves or branches, which represents death. The scene is depicted at night, because life looks differently when the sun goes down in his neighborhood- the kids stop playing in the streets and gunshots resound. Stabbings, shootings, and alcoholism are rampant. The cops are more likely to harass him at night, because no witnesses are present to defend him.

Anderson is depicted clutching a rosary because it is the thing that has helped him the most. In order to get through the day and to get to his future and what he wants to do with his life, he depends on God to carry him. If he could say one thing to the viewer of this painting: God works in mysterious ways.