Artist Statement

My work navigates a duality, capturing both the essence of familiar spaces and the concept of perceived Black spaces—environments where people of color feel a profound sense of belonging, such as barbershops and African American churches. These spaces contrast with the "non-places" of today's consumer-driven world—transient areas like airports and supermarkets that lack identity and historical significance.

In these non-places, I capture moments of isolation, reflecting the presence of modernity and the absence of humanity. My paintings use crisp, high-definition colors and strong lighting to convey stark, impersonal spaces, drawing inspiration from films like The Machinist and One Hour Photo. These cinematic influences help evoke a sense of unease and dislocation, with depictions of low ceilings and long hallways symbolizing capitalism's pervasive nature.

Through my art, I explore the psychology of space, revealing cultural shifts and self-perceptions within our constructed environments. By blending these ideas, my work seeks to challenge viewers to reflect on their own sense of place and identity in a rapidly changing world.

-Courtland Blade 2025