February 17, 2021 Image Christopheraaron Deanes Meet the artists featured in the exhibition America, I Sing You Back. In the story of the distressed brown body, a lack of social capital exists thanks to centuries of broken trust. The traumas of racism and lower standards of citizenship continue, while we live in a society that tells us that we have certain freedoms, logic, wisdom, and access. With the community trust broken, how do I even trust myself? My thoughts, ideas, perceptions? These narratives can be heard differently and spoken differently because of colloquial dialogue. What if we question what we understand and adjust our exclusive perspectives? These are some of the questions I ask in my work. My painterly style speaks to different approaches to belief systems, addressing through painted diagrams what I experience in the news and in my life here in America as a brown body. My inclusion of rice in the paintings functions as a metaphorical binder (I have never met a community of people who don’t consume rice), attesting to our shared humanity. Above all, I am interested in exploring the ways that people make connections through race, politics, and religion. I seek fresh narratives that embody empathy and assist community in the building of social capital. About Christopheraaron Deanes: Born in St. Louis, MO, Deanes moved to Minnesota to attend MCAD, which gave him the skills and discipline to pursue a professional art practice. Working primarily with metal enamel or on wood panels in oil, rice, and pastels, Deanes’ art embodies Black American life and addresses social interactions and oppression. In 2012, Deanes worked with the City of Minneapolis, collaborating with other artists to design and fabricate the large-scale John Biggers SEED Project that will be installed in 2022. His other metal enamel public art sculptures can be found in several locations around the Twin Cities. Deanes connects his passion for education with his love for art by teaching classes and leading educational workshops for teachers in numerous settings, including MCAD. His current studio work can be found at US Bank Stadium, TCF Stadium, and is available for purchase in Minneapolis at Galeria Do Beija Flor and online through Gallery 13. christopheraarond.com