While wandering around the Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center
on the third and final day of the 2009 New York Comic-Con, I had finally exhausted
all of the main attractions. I decided
to give some of the independent creators a chance. I happened upon a table where artist Shawn
Alleyne and Writer Koran Curtis were promoting a comic they’d created called A Hero’s Diary. They were selling posters, stickers, and a
sketchbook. Shawn’s amazing artwork immediately
piqued my interest, so I decided to show my support by purchasing one of each. I don’t know what ultimately became of A Hero’s Diary, but I still have that sketchbook. I soon sent Shawn a friend request on
Facebook. Today he posted something that
reminded me just how wise a decision that was.
WARNING: The following image contains nudity.
This morning, Shawn posted one of his latest works. It’s a poster titled Hip Hop Tribute- H.E.R Truth.
The title is an obvious reference to Common’s controversial yet classic
song “I Used to Love H.E.R.” The fairly
abstract work consists of a number of striking images, chief among which are a
pair of exposed breasts with fancy drawer handles covering the nipples. Hovering
Just behind the owner of those breasts is a giant schematic of a semiautomatic
pistol with a microphone jammed in the barrel.
Every bullet in the magazine has the word “TRUTH” inscribed on it. Shawn offered the following disclaimer and
explanation for his work:
This is one of my most
personal pieces of art to date...There is a much deeper meaning here than just
a woman's body...she represents the BEAUTY and TRUTH of what REAL hip-hop is to
me. Feel free to ask any questions before you judge.
Hey Scott, thank you for your positive words and continued support. Your analysis perfectly mirrors the message I was seeking to convey and hopefully viewers will understand the elements of the piece. I would also like to mention this image was colored by Blair Smith.
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