Curated by
Monica Marin

Opening Reception: Friday, June 29, 6 – 8pm
Exhibition: June 29 – September 26, 2018
Caribbean Museum Center for The Arts
10 Strand St. / 62 King St. | www.cmcarts.org

Opening Reception

Concept

The objective of this exhibit is to explore a reality where the spirit and culture of the African diaspora is revered. It is a response to the external queries of integrity and value. Within this exhibit there is a return to innocence, following the birth and life of august souls. How often does mainstream media convey the divinity and sanctity of the African experience? Can you name one saint of African origin? The subjects within this collection continue that dialog, becoming visual representations of the love and respect necessary for today’s portrait of the African diaspora, both within the Caribbean and abroad.

Artist Statement & Bio

Mark “Feijão” Milligan II

Mark “Feijão” Milligan II

www.soulindigo.com | contact@soulindigo.com

STATEMENT

Living in Hawai’i, outside of my social stereotype, forces me to continuously examine who I am as a spiritual being and what it means to be a man of the African Diaspora (of both Caribbean and Latin heritage.) This internal quandary became the impetus for choosing models of the African Diaspora. A theme that began with my previous exhibit, Mar, and continues into my recent works, bringing volume to the societal quiet of Afrofuturists in the Atlantic and Pacific.

BIO

Mark “Feijão” Milligan II was born to Carmen J. Martinez and Mark L. Milligan Sr. in St. Croix, U.S.V.I. Feijão’s passion for the Arts ignited at a very early age. While in high school, under the guidance of Cindy Male, his studies varied from painting & drawing to graphic design & architecture.

At the age of 16, he began an apprenticeship under Paul Youngblood. One of the paintings done during this mentorship won the U.S. National Congressional Art Competition. Allowing him the opportunity to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands and have his painting exhibited in the U.S. Capitol.

At 17, Feijão moved to New York City to acquire a Bachelor of Science in Fine Art from the School of Visual Arts. During which time he studied under such artists as Don Eddy, Max Ginsburg, Marvin Mattelson and Jack Potter.

After graduating, Feijão has participated in various group shows: Frederiksted Fort Museum (U.S.V.I.), Avante Yard (NY), BOE Laboratory (DC), the Corridors Gallery (NY), the Plaza Club (HI), Louis Pohl Gallery (HI), Honolulu Museum of Art School (HI), Maui Arts & Cultural Center (HI), the First Hawaiian Center (HI) and the ARTS at Marks Garage (HI.) He has been commissioned to paint murals for the Central Park SummerStage and Adidas. Feijão has also done live art, onstage, for Former Vice President Al Gore, Lauryn Hill and De La Soul.

Selection of Artwork

Work in progress: Mocko Jumbie

Work in progress: Ìfétayo