Friday, June 21 – Sunday, October 20, 2024

 

Iowa Artists 2024: b. Robert Moore “In Loving Memory”

 

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.

 

”In memoriam or “in loving memory” symbolizes the idea that the memory of someone extends past their life. Often found on memorials, tombstones and in remembrance of someone deceased. Essentially immortalizing that loved one in a physical form with a headstone, story or legacy. Ashes to ashes dust to dust, we return to the earth. Like a seed, it bear fruit, the fruit goes through decomposition and releases new seeds into the earth. New life sprouts from past life.

 

In mourning there can also be celebration of life, past and new. (Life After Death)

 

Essentially, immortalizing the person being memorialized. Rest in Power is greater than Rest In Peace because resting in power can still be felt by those still living. If you know little peace on Earth, how can you know peace in death? (Rhetorical)

 

For me, this body of work represents the family values I experienced. The foundations of my family, similar to many Black families was built on the history ofAmerica. This work dissects how the American experience shaped the structure(or de-structure) of the Black Family and home. The victories and defeat, there is a resiliency like no other. We always rise. Memorializing a loved one is also to immortalize them, for their spirit is forever with us even if they physically can’t be seen. Conversations with ancestors guided this body of work at the intersections of black and white, life and death, light and dark, presence and absence. Literally and figuratively drawing parallels between the contrasts of Black American families and the American history in which they were shaped.

 

My grandma used to say “What’s done in the dark will come to light”.

 

This work shines a light on authentic Black American experiences.

 

There can be no life without death.

No light without darkness.

No white without Black.

There can be no absence without presence first.

 

Even though you are no longer with us, I can feel your presence.

 

I will carry your torch.

Rest In Power.