In the New Testament, James called God's moral demands, "the law of liberty". The law points the way not toward restriction or mere avoidance but toward liberation. Looking at that perfect law and following it is like mastering the basics on the piano or the basics of draftsmanship. Knowing these principles is what enables an artist to express himself musically or visually. He is free to perform. In James's view, liberty is not a vacuum, the absence of slavery; it's the ability to perform. Freedom is the power to fulfill our destiny, and the law is the prerequisite for that freedom.
~ Steven Mosley, 'Your Religion is Too Small', p.17.
Steven Mosley is a New York based painter living in Bed Stuy Brooklyn. Mosley’s portraits are narrative snapshots that tell the stories and personal experiences of Blacks in America. Every painting contains a multitude of messages, hidden in visual patterns, mixed media collage and color.
Art For Amnesty had the pleasure to interview the aspiring artist:
AFA: What are the main subjects you deal with within your practice?
SM: My work focuses on the shared complex identities of black men in America- our historical subjugation, struggle and triumphs. I love exploring human emotion through facial expression, color and text. The black male experience is vast, which gives me the opportunity to insert a variety of emotions from despair to pride to humor.
Awareness by Steven Mosley
AFA: How do you feel about the current state of US in regards to police brutality and the deaths of innocent people?
SM: Police brutality is a horrific reality in many poor and disenfranchised communities. The cruel overseer mentality from white “authority figures” has been prevalent in our culture since slavery. The oppression of Black lives is at the root of American society. Black oppression was written as law in our constitution for years, and in many ways, we are still considered three fifths of a human. But I am hopeful for change. We must continue to monitor the police by filming their violent acts.
Recently, art, activism and social media have played a huge role in exposing the systemic barbarism of police brutality. The black community is well aware of this abuse of power, but ultimately, everyone in our country needs to get on board and recognize these atrocities. Everyone in our country needs to understand the true meaning of “Black Lives Matter.” We all must empathize with the struggle of black lives if we ever want to see an end to systematic oppression in the US.
Brothers in Death by Steven Mosley
Brothers in Life by Steven Mosley
AFA: Are there any topics you are uncomfortable dealing with in your work? If so, why?
SM: I love art because it allows me to confront my issues with society in a positive way.
My work mostly focuses on the stories and struggles of black men. At a recent art show I was asked why I don’t paint black women. I’m not uncomfortable exploring black women’s stories, but I choose to focus on the complexities of black manhood. Who knows, maybe one day that will change. But for now, those are the stories I’m focused on telling. I know so many women artist-activists who create powerful work by masterfully expressing the pride and struggles of black women – Sophia Dawson, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, Nina Chanel Abney - to name a few.
How To Measure A Man by Steven Mosley
AFA: What are your goals as an artist?
SM: I would like my work to create a dialogue that inspires a change in peoples’ perspective of black humanity. I paint extreme expressions because I want the viewer to form an emotional connection to the work. I want people that look at my work to see themselves, regardless of their background.
Merciless by Steven Mosley
AFA: What drives you?
SM: I feel a sense of duty to create art. God has blessed me with a vision and a message that I must put out for the world. If I go a week without painting or sketching I feel overcome with a longing to create. I’m driven by passion, but I also feel a strong obligation to express my beliefs.
OH LAWD by Steven Mosley
AFA: If there was one thing you could fix in this world what would it be?
SM: I think that the world lacks empathy. We are, by in large, focused on our individual selves, and we have a difficult time looking at an issue from someone else’s perspective. I suffer from a lack of empathy myself. Painting allows me to connect to the world by telling the emotional story of someone other than myself. It’s cathartic, and I want everyone to feel it. I think the key to fostering a better world is through mutual empathy – and art is a great way to do that.
