Alone by Eustace Mamba, in conversation with The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure

Eustace Mamba’s mural Transition was part of The Philadelphia Museum of Art and Mural Arts collaboration to create a public art series featuring work by alumni of Mural Arts’ Fellowship for Black Artists. Alumni were prompted to explore the central themes (double consciousness, our aliveness, persistence of history) of the museum’s acclaimed exhibition, “The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure” on view November 9, 2024–February 9, 2025.

Artist Statement:

My West Indian heritage and Manhattan upbringing are integral to my work. I strive to challenge colonial image norms, weaving threads of unity and societal dynamics within my creations. Like a scientist exploring uncharted territories, I aim to foster a more critical, holistic, and knowledge-based understanding of contemporary Black life. Through my art, I continuously delve into new dimensions within myself, sparking dialogue and reflection on the complexities of our modern world.

I utilize sewing as a means of storytelling, repurposing recycled materials to create compositions that evoke both turmoil and harmony. Skin, in my artwork, embodies the fluidity and ambiguity of identity; constantly evolving in response to the shifting landscapes of race, culture, and society. Through dialogue, reflection, and introspection, I invite viewers to join me on a journey of discovery, challenging perceptions, and expanding perspectives on the richness and diversity of this human experience.

Location Note: Mural no longer on view at this location (temporary project).