YOUNG KING, 2024
Guy Stanley Philoche
Mixed media on paper
35x35”
Last month, Artemizia Foundation acquired YOUNG KING by acclaimed Haitian-American artist Guy Stanley Philoche to display in the museum gallery. The piece came from Philoche's gallery in Brooklyn, Tanya Weddemire, after AF saw the artist's work in the 2024 LA Art Show.
“The piece is a way of giving Black Boys their flowers,” says Tanya Weddemire, owner of Tanya Weddemire Gallery and representative of Philoche. “Guy’s intention to adorn the boy in a crown and suit, and then placing him in front of the bold red, honors the fact that no matter how small you are, you deserve your flowers.”
YOUNG KING belongs to Philoche's latest series called "Give Us Our Flowers," which has recently garnered the artist national attention within the art world and beyond – including in Forbes and USA Today
Needless to say, AF is honored to bring Guy’s powerful message to Arizona:
Black and Brown People Deserve Their Flowers.
Read on to learn more about the series directly from Guy Stanley Philoche.
ABOUT “GIVE US OUR FLOWERS”
Artist Statement by Guy Stanley Philoche
The series "Give Us Our Flowers" emerged from a deeply personal and vulnerable period in my life, marked by the loss of a dear friend.
My friend was surrounded by an abundance of flowers, yet the full extent of acknowledgment and appreciation seemed to only materialize after my friend's passing.
“Give Us Our Flowers" is dedicated to honoring and celebrating individuals in the present moment, while they are still alive.
Through works on paper and works on canvas, whether young or old, I seek to convey a message of recognition and respect for the contributions and philanthropic grace that each person embodies in their everyday lives.
By giving "FLOWERS" – metaphorically representing gratitude, appreciation, and recognition – in the moment, we affirm the significance of each individual's existence and their meaningful contributions to the world.
Visitors can enjoy YOUNG KING during standard museum business hours: Thursday through Sunday, 11am-4pm. Members are free, non-members $10 admission.
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