We Want To Live (Asé)

Abstract

Abstract As a creative project with an exhibition as its final exposition, my Master’s project is a series of charcoal drawings, mixed-media drawings, mixed-media paintings, original essays, newspaper articles, sculptures, and poetry protesting the frequent senseless killings of unarmed Black people in America. (Also included, is a copy of a personal letter from former United States senator Richard Burr). My Master’s Thesis project was inspired in part by one of my ancestors, my Great-Great-Great Grandfather, Mr. Samuel Nathaniel Nuckles, an activist, a formerly enslaved person, and a former member of The South Carolina House of Representatives from the years 1868 to 1872. (Grant 260, 533) Additionally, inspiration for this project evolved from my own experience with unnecessary/unwarranted police brutality, at the hands of South Carolina police, from which I was fortunate enough to survive. However, as history has shown us, this is not always the fate for other unarmed Black people and their encounters with police officers. Currently, we see a rash of killings of unarmed Black people. My goal is to do whatever I can to aid in bringing an end to this unfortunate chaotic trend. Therefore, I create protest artwork and protest poetry not only because the senseless killings of unarmed Black people must stop, but I also create protest artwork and protest poetry because “We Want To Live (Asé).” Asé is a term from the Yoruba language of West Africa, it is a philosophical concept representing power that makes things happen and produces change. My graduation project exhibition time: April 17, 2023 Exhibition Space: The Fredric Jameson Gallery-Duke East Campus