Artist’s exhibition explores spirit of Sankofa
BY TIA CAROL JONES
Raymond Thomas’ “Our Tomorrow Happened Yesterday,” explores the theme of Sankofa, which means to go back and get. “Our Tomorrow Happened Yesterday” will be on display at the Blanc Gallery, located at 4445 S. King Drive, through Sunday, Nov. 21.
The body of work was inspired by the last 18 months, with the global pandemic, the rise and fall of Trump and the senseless murder of George Floyd.
“All of these things have put us in a place of uncertainty. More so, with us, because we live with uncertainty all the time, as Black people,” Thomas said.
Thomas took a break, he became still, got into a spiritual place. He meditated, prayed, and thought about how Black people could win and how Black people could get through everything that was going on. He came up with the idea to create a visual, virtual portal that took Black people back to a place where they had never been, but once were, to bring back the tools Black people need to win in this time.
“I believe we need to go back and retain some of these things that make us great and remember them and apply them to these times,” he said.
The exhibit will include 12-18 pieces. One of Thomas’ pieces took eight years, “The resurrection of Tupac Shakur.” Some pieces take weeks, some take years. It depends on when Thomas feels like it is ready to be shown.
It is Thomas’ hope that people will be inspired by the art, to think about where they are in these times. He referenced Nina Simone who said it is an artist’s duty to reflect the times. It is Thomas’ mantra. He wants to not only create art that is aesthetically pleasing but also be comfort, encouragement and edification to the people.
Thomas, a native of St. Louis, Mo., describes himself as an all-around creative. He has always known he wanted to be an artist.
He was nurtured by his mother and his two grandmothers, who encouraged him to pursue his passions as an artist.
Thomas was the artistic director and creative manager for Johnson Publishing Company for more than 23 years. It was an incredible time. Thomas worked with Lerone Bennett, Bob Johnson, Hebert Temple and other creatives.
“I always knew when I was able to get inside that place, that I was a part of history, and I was a part of chronicling the triumphs and tears of the African American experience. Just being there, it really was
humbling,” he said.
Thomas did the cover shoot with the President Barack Obama and Former First Lady Michelle Obama. He called John H. Johnson a tremendous human being, a maverick and an incredible businessman who he learned a lot from.
Thomas also is the creator of Heroism, a wearable art and merchandise brand. It examines the notion of heroes in these times and what needs to be done, and to celebrate the people who uplift and encourage. Thomas created images of people who have inspired him and put them on t-shirts, hoodies and tote bags. He wants people to rock the pieces with respect and purchase them with pride.
Part of Thomas’ practice is to interact and engage with youth. He encourages everyone to be true and to be of purpose.
“Our art has always been functional and purposeful. Whatever it is, our art has always been a part of doing something or being something other than just what you put on a wall, or just try to create a value for. I would encourage everyone to create your work purposefully, be passionate about what you do, study your craft, really learn technique and be excellent at it, and enjoy it,” he said.
For more information on Heroism, heroismbrand. com. For more information on Raymond Thomas, visit www.raymondathomasstudios. com.
