On View October 24 – December 4, 2024

Profiles explores the lived experiences and aspirations of black people in contemporary society through two distinct series:  Periphery and Weight.

The Periphery series, composed of oil pastels, addresses the marginalization of black individuals. The subjects, depicted wearing hoodies, serve as a commentary on the negative stereotypes that often obscure the full humanity of black people. The body language and poses of the subjects reflect an introspective examination of existing in unwelcome spaces, with emotions ranging from nervousness to resignation.

The Weight series, created with oil paintings, delves into the complex relationship between people of the African and Caribbean diaspora and the “American Dream.” Through the juxtaposition of background and foreground elements in each composition, the stories of the subjects are revealed, highlighting their unique journeys and the weight of their aspirations.

Together, these series aim to unveil black narratives, bringing to light the intersections of identity, politics, and dreams in America.

Artist Statement

Kirk Maynard is an artist and educator who is originally from Brooklyn, New York. A second-generation Guyanese-American, Maynard’s paintings and drawings detail the political undercurrents of culture and identity in America through portraiture and composition. Often referencing American social history, his work explores the intersection between identity and politics through juxtaposition and the use of the profile.

Kirk Maynard has exhibited at multiple institutions, including The Newark Museum of Art, Montclair Art Museum, and Everhart Museum. He has completed artist residencies at The Studios at MASS MoCA, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and Mana Contemporary. He has also been awarded the CFEVA Fellowship and the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Fellowship.