Demarco Mosby
“If you have no sword, sell your cloak and buy one”
New York, 532 West 24 Street
Mosby reinterprets familiar stories from history, myth and fantasy by representing each narrative through his distinctive use of texture, composition and symbolism. The artist specifically examines the morality at play during critical turning points. With his exhibition title, Mosby refers to a New Testament passage from the Bible in which, Jesus is telling his disciples that he will be counted as a criminal and they will all soon face persecution. The titular instruction is interpreted as Jesus preparing his disciples for the difficult times ahead and encouraging them to be ready to defend themselves.
DeMarco Mosby Depraved Indifference, 2022 Oil on canvas 62 × 52 in | 157.5 × 132.1 cm
With this latest body of work, Mosby’s examines the relevance of this passage in relation to the events of 2020, in which riots and civil unrest caused many to reflect on their own preparedness as well as the stability of their surroundings and relationships. Through layering and excising details; collaging symbolic references; Mosby captures the ambiguity and disorientation of these pivotal moments. The viewer is placed in the midst of a societal collapse, highlighting the potential for violence and cruelty but also a remarkable capacity for good. The enigmatical scenes intend to carve out a moment to pause and reflect on the depth of the human will and the enduring possibility for personal growth.
