About:

Eustace Mamba [American, b. 1992 Queens, NY] is an artist and designer whose practice encompasses painting, collage, street photography, and mixed-media design installations. With a strong foundation from earning both his MFA and BFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Mamba's artworks have found homes in collections, including the Woodmere Art Museum, Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Statement:

My West Indian heritage and Manhattan upbringing are integral to my work. I strive to challenge colonial image norms, weaving threads of unity and societal dynamics within my creations. Like a scientist exploring uncharted territories, I aim to foster a more critical, holistic, and knowledge-based understanding of contemporary Black life. Through my art, I continuously delve into new dimensions within myself, sparking dialogue and reflection on the complexities of our modern world.

Illustration, which I studied in school, has become an increasingly important part of my painterly practice as I mature as an artist. I am drawn to the art of inventing scenes and stories within my paintings, shifting from solely portraying people I know to creating characters and personas for strangers and candid moments that inspire me. This imaginative approach allows me to expand my narratives, blending observation and invention to explore the fluidity of identity and experience.

I utilize sewing as a means of storytelling, repurposing recycled materials to create compositions that evoke both turmoil and harmony. Skin, in my artwork, embodies the fluidity and ambiguity of identity; constantly evolving in response to the shifting landscapes of race, culture, and society. Through dialogue, reflection, and introspection, I invite viewers to join me on a journey of discovery, challenging perceptions, and expanding perspectives on the richness and diversity of this human experience.

Alchemy Art Ensemble
Paradigm Gallery