Solidarity Series
I created these pieces in solidarity with people of color. Works include civil rights leaders Rosa Parks and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. In response to more recent violence towards Black people, I painted “The Charleston Nine” who were targeted because of their race and killed in 2015 at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Paintings from this collection were selected for Aftermash, an exhibit celebrating Black History Month at Shoreline City Hall in 2017.
"Lift Every Voice and Sing," 2017, Christen Mattix, charcoal and acrylic on hymnals, 37.25 by 46.25 inches
"Mahalia," 2017, Christen Mattix, charcoal and acrylic on hymnals, 37.5 x 48 inches
Installation View at Makeshift Gallery, 2018
"The Charleston Nine," 2017, Christen Mattix, charcoal, gold leaf, charcoal, ink, and acrylic on hymnals and panel, 36 x 27 inches
Portrait of Pastor Clementa Pinckney, closeup of "The Charleston Nine," by Christen Mattix
Portrait of Susie Jackson, closeup of "The Charleston Nine," by Christen Mattix
Portrait of Myra Thompson, closeup of "The Charleston Nine" by Christen Mattix
Portrait of Depayne Middleton, closeup of "The Charleston Nine" by Christen Mattix
"Cradle," 2018, Christen Mattix, charcoal and acrylic on wooden bowl, 12 x 12 x 4 inches
"Boiling Point," (portrait of Rosa Parks), 2017, Christen Mattix, charcoal and mixed media on percolater, 8 x 4 x 4 inches
"George Floyd," 2020, Christen Mattix, acrylic, 16 x 20 inches
"Scarred," 2010, Christen Mattix, vintage nails, ovenbaked clay and acrylic, 4 x 4 x 3 inches