Pieta

Pieta

Using one of his friends, who serves in the U.S. Air Force, as a model, Howard presents the image of a Black man clad in the recognizable combat uniform of the USAF. The airman clutches the body of a silhouetted Black man actively bleeding from a gunshot wound in his back. The relationship of the two men is ambiguous and left to inference. Howard presents a social commentary on how Black Americans can work in a variety of generally respected positions and still be direct victims of racist police brutality. The title references Michelangelo’s tragic and vulnerable portrayal of Mary holding the body of her crucified son.

Rodrick Howard

Courtesy of the artist, Rodrick Howard

2020

All rights are held by the artist, Rodrick Howard

Oil and acrylic on canvas, 20x24"

L2021.4b