DENNIS SHELTON –ASSEMBLING HISTORY

Artist Dennis Shelton

Shelton, based in Yonkers, creates assemblages, collages, and mixed media artwork. 

Every Black artist must answer the questions posed in this call for reflection for him/herself. This is my answer. This will be the first full year without my grandmother, Mineola D. Smith, who spent her entire 103 years in Alabama and was on that same historic bus with Rosa Parks. Once I realized my grandmother was no longer here, it made me reflect on her generation. I realized how much was done and accomplished by so many—and yet so few. It made me pause. I can't replace my grandmother or her generation, but the need not to remain silent has now acquired more urgency.  

I choose to use my art to honor my grandmother, and her generation, not only for their strength but for their sacrifices against what I see happening, ironically, around this 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation. I believe we are at a critical junction in history where truth must win or we all lose. But for truth to win, it must be recognized and spoken. 

I must use my art to respond to the injustices I see each day. I must use my art to counter the falsehoods being spoken in this nation's narrative. I personally cannot stop the powers-that-be from taking steps to erase my people's—no, American—history, but I must continue to shine light on our accomplishments. I must strengthen not only my people but Americans as a whole. I must bring a sense of togetherness in a separate and fragmented nation. My art is meant to inspire change for my community, this nation, and the world.