How does an undervalued community thrive, through prayer? Southern black folk are some of the most spiritual people in America while also being some of the most impoverished. Factory workers, farmers, educators, care providers, and many others of the working class labor tireless simultaneously praying for relief. Their efforts undervalued maintain cycles of struggle and basic maintenance instead of natural growth. When work by Europeans and European descendant Americans is considered valuable, why is other work considered less? Why is the work of melanin-rich spiritual artist, Black folk artist, non-European descendants not appreciated with the same respect to time and culture?
These works are created to challenge the perception of Black Folk Art and its considered historic significance. European altar compositions recomposed with black folk art styles negotiate the middle ground of the hard to communicate topic, "Why is European and European descendant art appreciated and displayed significantly more than art by other creative demographics?" In this case, Black American folk art and its creators are disproportionately undocumented and depreciated in value around the world regardless of proven cultural importance.
Meditation on Life. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering John Biggers.
The Nazarite. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering Earle Wilton Richardson.
Angelic Meditation. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering Charles W. White.
Mourning. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering Rose Piper..
Pray for the City. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering Henry Ossawa Tanner
A Lonely Table. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering Gwendolyn Ann Magee.
Crooked Preacher. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering William Walker.
Pray for the City, Too. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering Horrace Pippin.
Good Boy. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering William E Smith.
Standing Tall. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering Elmer Brown.
She Prays, Too. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering Faith Ringgold.
Mother's Nature. Acrylic on canvas by Kyle Epps. Remembering Gwenedolyn Knight.
All works in collection are not pictured including those in honor of Harriet Powers, Clementine Hunter, Jacob Lawrence, and Raymond Steth.