“Police brutality is a pandemic in the world right now.” This striking statement comes from Nigerian-born artist
Arinze Stanley, who strives to practice political activism through art, with a particular focus on the injustice faced by the Black community due to oppressive systems, both in Nigeria and abroad. Stanley uses graphite and charcoal in an awe-inspiring hyperrealistic style, which forms emotional connections with the viewer, in an effort to trigger empathy and initiate change. In his
Paranormal Portraits exhibition at the
Corey Helford Gallery (running until November 7th), Stanley navigates the surreal experience of being Black in the 21st Century.