Insecurities of an Impossible Name , 2018

"THE INSECURITIES OF AN IMPOSSIBLE NAME” is a ceramic self-portrait bust of the artist. Certain details were specifically chosen (i.e. the garb, chest plate, tassels, wreath, etc.), that are identifiable to the Roman dictator Julius Caesar. The idea is to make a visual connection of the Roman politician to the present-day American, myself. The representation of a conflict I have with both our first names being that of “Julius” and how anyone who has it is doomed to feel the burden to embody inspiration, excellence, overcome adversity, etc., qualities of the Greco-Roman Emperor, Caesar. This birthright conundrum baffled me whenever I delve into the subject. In my experience, it is a popular African-American first name. Research suggests that names can influence the choice of profession, living areas, spouses, etc. The go-to gut feeling about making a self-portrait bust was narcissistic, shallow, and delusional. Although, I felt the mission of the bust was rightly justified by my thesis of identity and trauma. In hindsight, in legitimizing its existence, the bust is a physical embodiment of my closure to all my grievances when I was a child.