Evolution
Ink on canvas

One
Ink on canvas

Hero, warrior, martyr, threat. Violence in our communities is deeply rooted in competing notions of masculinity. 

In “Evolution,” artist and illustrator Rob Stull explores our relationship to violence through familiar tropes of young Black manhood. Reminiscent of a comic book hero, the central figure exudes power and strength. Yet his mask, a symbol of protection for the Dan tribe from Ivory Coast, is broken and streaked with tears. On his chest, the ancient Adinkra symbol for leadership has become a blood-stained target. 

In “One”, Stull’s nuanced layering of symbols and imagery recognizes the complexity of violence that is rarely a single cause. It is only through reflection and dialogue—with the past, with himself, and with others—that the hero’s mask can be made whole again and the unity of “oneness” regained.

“For generations, mechanisms have been put in place to limit the positive progression of Black youth. All around are images designed to make us feel inadequate, insignificant, unwanted, and unloved. The challenge is to reject these self-limiting beliefs and create our own visual narratives.”

—Rob Stull