I'm Up, He Sees Me, I'm Down

I'm Up, He Sees Me, I'm Down

The phrase, “I'm Up, He Sees Me, I'm Down," is utilized in U.S. Army training for the instruction of individual tactical movement, specifically evading enemy fire. The main figure’s alert expression and cartoonish fingers clenched near his face speak to the fear that many people of color associate with police interaction. Rodrick Howard created this painting in response to the shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. by Philadelphia police officers. Howard says, “While I am a law-abiding citizen with no justifiable reason to be afraid of police officers, even I feel an almost instinctive trepidation when dealing with them.”

Rodrick Howard

Courtesy of the artist, Rodrick Howard

2020

All rights are held by the artist, Rodrick Howard

Oil and acrylic on canvas, 24x24"

L2021.4a