Jammie Holmes — I’ve Seen It All
Machine and hand embroidered linen with two custom-made ‘HOLMES 2020’ brass eyelets. Framed in natural wood. Numbered and signed by the artist.
Flag dimensions: 24h x 41w inches
Framed dimension: 28h x 46w x 1.5d inches
Edition of 30
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Collectors will be required to sign a 5-year no-resale agreement for this work. Copyright of the artwork is non-transferable and remains the property of the artist.
Details
Louis Buhl & Co. is pleased to present a new edition with artist Jammie Holmes, a series of framed linen flags titled I’ve Seen It All. A unique medium, I’ve Seen It All is a series of machine and hand-embroidered linen flags with two custom-made ‘HOLMES 2020’ brass eyelets, signed by the artist and framed in natural wood. In his practice, Holmes often references photographs from home, but also draws heavily on his own recollection of moments and scenes and works quickly to translate his emotions to paint. The creation of I’ve Seen It All falls into pattern with the latter; the idea for the work first presented itself in a dream, where the artist recalls “walking through a dark alley and seeing these two big eyes.” Holmes immediately went on to sketch out the vision that has since transformed into I’ve Seen It All, using this idea as a way to ask existential questions about identity and the experience of growing up as a Black male in America.
The American flag, one that is logically conspicuous in Holmes’ mind, is particularly known for its embodiment of freedom and justice, both things that people of color continue to struggle and fight for every day. With I’ve Seen It All, Holmes creates a flag that is independent from the influence of any other that exists, using the piece to engage in a personal discussion about black identity and its relationship to society. Through the piece, Holmes invites his audience to see the world through his own eyes and experience. This narrative is visually represented through the imagery within the flag: the pair of upside-down white arches represent Holmes’ eyes, and the black fabric with which they are situated represent his skin. Across the frame, Holmes boxes in a star, a recognizable symbol included for its common association with traditional flags. Lining the bottom of I’ve Seen It All is a red stripe and a green stripe, the incorporation of the Pan-African colors unifying Holmes’ intimate experiences with those of the Black community as a whole.
