'Turmoil' by Jeremy 'Sobek' Harrison
This is the second of two public art projects that complemented the renovation of the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library.
Project details
Project Context
This project was the second public art project that the City commissioned for the renovated Roxbury Branch. The first commission is an original artwork called "R-O-X-B-U-R-Y" by Joe Wardwell, in collaboration with local poet Nakia Hill and youth writers at the YLAB at 826 Boston. It overlooks the central collections space and was installed in January 2022.
The budget for this project was $150,000. The call to artists was for a permanent artwork. It was open to national and international artists, with a strong preference for artists connected to Roxbury.
The Boston Art Commission approved the selection of Jeremy "Sobek" Harrison for the project. It was installed in the fall of 2022.
Community Values
In their narrative proposal, artists and artist teams responding to this call were encouraged to consider:
- the recent renaming of the building where the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library is located and the neighborhood to Nubian Square
- the library’s featured African-American collection, and
- the theme of economic justice.
Project Site
The site is located in the library's main entrance, housing the African-American collection. The wall is approximately 12 feet by 8 feet, and is visible from the front entrance along Dudley Street.
Selection Criteria
The selection committee sought submissions that:
- aligned with the curatorial vision of the Boston Art Commission
- showed consideration of the neighborhood, site, and theme
- showcased a strong, original artistic vision, and
- demonstrated experience in public art that meets the expectations for this commission.
"My freedom of expression, the art of writing, must survive in this ever changing universe challenging the political norms of art. Fighting against the current to avoid suction into the black hole of what is and isn't art, who can and can't create, likes and contacts or actual discipline of craft. I'm infatuated with the turmoil." - Jeremy "Sobek" Harrison
Meet the Artist
Meet the Artist
Jeremy 'Sobek' Harrison
Artist, Roxbury Branch Public Art Project
The following statement was written by the artist:
I remember the first time I drew a picture I liked. I was in fourth grade on Halloween during a paper plate mask contest. I copied the bloody face of a werewolf my oldest brother had drawn the night before. I loved what I created so much I did not even enter it in the contest. Instead, I copied it over again for the rest of class.
My mind is a temple and art is the kung fu. I train, it is my life. I have grown to realize its value and power, especially during the hardships I face as a Native man of color. My direct interactions with inequality and prejudices have influenced my style of painting. The people I create are Black and proud, yet you can see their pain. My Graffiti is a sharp abstract 3-d flow that twists, bends and is forceful. I lay my foundation with spray paint first, then combine it with acrylic paint. By doing so I can render soft tones and moods, as well as stretch my limited supply of materials.
I have no formal training; my knowledge comes from studying and experience working with others. My passion for the arts, specifically Graffiti, and its positive representation has led me to start Back Against the Wall. My initiative helps the inner-city community by making their words visible on a larger scale encouraging the positive power of words. Graffiti is an important part of this mission because it was birthed through rebellious strength motivating a culture to recognize the importance of letters.
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