The Art of Doris Arnett-Gary
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Praise - (Black Church Series) 2022 unframed acrylic paint, tissue paper, leather string, and photos, 18” x 24”
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Church Ladies
- (Black Church Series) 2022 unframed acrylic paint, craft tape, cardstock, and leather string, ribbon, feathers, paper flowers, jewels, metallic embellishments, tulle, mesh tubing, glitter, paint markers, bling stickers, fabric, 12” x 12” |
I have been in church, in ministry all my life. I have ushered, sang in the choir, led worship, taught Sunday school, led Singles Ministry, attended Bible Study, danced, praised and worshiped! The intent of my artwork was to show the dynamics of all of those aspects of the black church which are just a little bit different (more charismatic, more energetic, more vibrant) than at other churches. And in my experiences, there has always been at least two things that distinguished the black church building (whether a cathedral or a storefront) from any other type of structure…stained glass windows and a cross! In my first piece both are front and center; literally. In my second piece the one thing that holds it all together…the Church Ladies.
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by ALL means necessary - (Voting Rights Series) 2022 acrylic paint, art marker, leather, denim, cotton and paper, on unstretched canvas, 24" x 36"
Not “by any means necessary” but “by ALL means necessary” (the title of the artwork) black people should, must get out and vote. The act of voting; going to the polls, letting your voice be heard should be as important as breathing…because your breath just may depend on it. From local municipalities to national elections, it is our right, our duty to give our opinion. This piece embodies the effort that may need to be put forth in order to vote. With all of the corruption and dirty dealing that is put forth to keep us from the polls it is imperative that we give them no excuse to turn us away. This gentleman has brought every type of identifying paperwork imaginable to ward off any kind of voter suppression tactic they can come up with. He will not be deterred…you shouldn’t be either. |
Matriarch, our teacher, our provider, our protector - (Black Family Series) 2021 unframed acrylic paint, rope, photos, jewels, 30” x 40”
The connections of family members, no matter how beloved or how strained, are rooted deeply in the earth, in our beginnings, in Mother Africa, our Matriarch, our teacher, our provider, our protector.
This piece is a work of love for me! It represents not only my family (blood and non), but it represents the connection, the bond with our ancestors.
The deep blue sky and the glimmering jewels above her head depict the loved ones who are watching over and guiding us. The red and white stripes behind her signify our migration (by choice or by force) to the United States. Her Locs are intertwined with the colors of precious metals from the earth. Mother Earth is front, and center outlined with rope (natural substance) growing out of the trunk of the tree. The roots of the tree spread far and wide through my family and beyond. They entrap each family member and hold them tightly together.
The connections of family members, no matter how beloved or how strained, are rooted deeply in the earth, in our beginnings, in Mother Africa, our Matriarch, our teacher, our provider, our protector.
This piece is a work of love for me! It represents not only my family (blood and non), but it represents the connection, the bond with our ancestors.
The deep blue sky and the glimmering jewels above her head depict the loved ones who are watching over and guiding us. The red and white stripes behind her signify our migration (by choice or by force) to the United States. Her Locs are intertwined with the colors of precious metals from the earth. Mother Earth is front, and center outlined with rope (natural substance) growing out of the trunk of the tree. The roots of the tree spread far and wide through my family and beyond. They entrap each family member and hold them tightly together.
Strange Fruit #1 -
2019
Acrylic paint, cardboard, foam and string, 30"X40"
- Southern trees bear a strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swingin' in the Southern breeze
Strange fruit hangin' from the poplar trees...
The poem/song "Strange Fruit," written in 1937 by Jewish-American writer, teacher and song writer Abel Meeropol, as a protest against inhumane treatment of Black people. The song was recorded in 1939 by Billie Holiday. My interpretation of the lyrics bring together the greatest symbol of America, its flag and the greatest symbol of good, positivity and beauty; (skin-colored) Stars, hanging, bloody and torn, from a tree.
2019
Acrylic paint, cardboard, foam and string, 30"X40"
- Southern trees bear a strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swingin' in the Southern breeze
Strange fruit hangin' from the poplar trees...
The poem/song "Strange Fruit," written in 1937 by Jewish-American writer, teacher and song writer Abel Meeropol, as a protest against inhumane treatment of Black people. The song was recorded in 1939 by Billie Holiday. My interpretation of the lyrics bring together the greatest symbol of America, its flag and the greatest symbol of good, positivity and beauty; (skin-colored) Stars, hanging, bloody and torn, from a tree.
Way Back On Calvary (Strange Fruit #2) - 2019
Acrylic, cardboard & rope on canvas, 20"X 20" This interpretation of Abel Meeropol's poem is simple. Even in the time of Jesus, righteous people, good people have been singled out and persecuted; the instruments of destruction have changed over the years but the results remain the same...Strange fruit hangin' from the poplar trees... |
This in America, Series -
The series "This in America" is a story of the America I live and the America that America would like us to believe exists. They are two very different places. In my America, young black (and POC) men and women are harassed, condemned and executed in the street or in there bedrooms; education is for the privileged and poverty is as common as daylight.
The series "This in America" is a story of the America I live and the America that America would like us to believe exists. They are two very different places. In my America, young black (and POC) men and women are harassed, condemned and executed in the street or in there bedrooms; education is for the privileged and poverty is as common as daylight.
Living While Black, Dying While... - 2016
Acrylic on canvas, 30"X 40" This painting tells the story of the very American treatment of the numerous black and brown people who are slain and forgotten, left in the street until the American system has time to "deal" with them. People who were simply existing; walking home from 7-11, playing music in a gas station, making a left turn, jogging in the park...living while black. |
Hope - 2016
Acrylic paint and paper, 16"X20" In this particular painting I tried to portray the Hope I saw in the people protesting for a better life. In the midst of the madness, there is Hope. |
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It Could Have Been My Son -
2016 Acrylic paint and paper, 16"X20" - This painting started off as a lament about all of the senseless deaths and destruction of our wonderful black men and the feeling that all mothers must share about their son being a target. But as I contemplated the painting I realized that there was also a positive side and that my son, our sons could also very well end up on the right, positive, inspiring side of the conversation. |
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