Reon Jarreau: Goddesses

A Show Devoted to The Female Deity

Opening Reception: Friday, February 7th, 6 - 9pm

Show Dates: February 7 - 28, 2020

Could we be here without the Deity? No matter what race, religion or belief, we seem to inherit it is painstakingly hard to deny it doesn't in a way lead back to a Goddess. Take a deeper glance into what historians tell us what we are. Patriarchy moves to keeps our legacies alive and you'll defiantly see that regal queen standing there, with no need to boast.

Being into realism set in an array of mediums and often using graphite for portraits that demand each mark be perfect so the viewer knows what is seeing. With this work I tried to be messy, use less restraint and use a range of mediums and materials that would usually make me uncomfortable, try not to limit myself because it wasn't always a choice. Growing up in the Lower Bottoms of West Oakland was hard but also uplifting and empowering. Having a sense of community with the mantra "It takes a Village" makes it hard not to notice that at the heart of all these villages stood the Mother, The Queen, The Goddess. This work for me represents what I see in the faces of women from every background in the everyday struggle of pushing on and striving. That's the Monarch I try to portray with my brush.

Reon Jarreau is an Oakland native versed in illustration, water and acrylic painting, also often diving into apparel with his niche for the screen printing process. " I like the saying think outside the box, only because I consider myself the box and it's up to me to let my creations out." Reon staring off drawing cartoons for friends and family and with that support gave him a different outlook on life and a better understanding of what he was, an artist. He studied art at Oakland's Laney college but soon after dropped out to take care of his ill mother. After her passing it only pushed his practice harder. He curated one of the biggest underground art shows Oakland ever seen The Asylum. He worked with Art is Moving an organization bent on making the average worker stop on lunch and just do art.

"If I can get you, her, or him to stand in front of something I made and one word is muttered, I am Content."