Felandus Thames Weaves Memories of the Black Diaspora in Luminous, Beaded Portraits

3 hours ago7 min read

Artist Felandus Thames constructs a vibrant tapestry of remembrance and identity, meticulously assembling thousands of colorful hair beads into luminous portraits that resonate with the spirit of the Black diaspora. His work transcends traditional portraiture, operating with the layered depth of a soul record and the improvisational spirit of jazz.The beads, a familiar artifact of Black childhood, are transformed into a powerful visual language, evoking themes of tradition, protection, and community. Under Thames's hand, these everyday objects undergo an alchemical process, their shimmering surfaces coalescing into faces that emerge with the haunting presence of a memory.The laborious, meditative act of placement becomes a devotional practice, echoing the grounding rhythms of ancestral drum circles. In a contemporary art landscape frequently drawn to spectacle, Thames’s innovation lies in his profound reverence.He builds a new narrative from foundational cultural elements, much like a hip-hop producer samples a classic breakbeat. Each beaded visage is a tribute, a means of honoring the past and solidifying its presence within our modern consciousness, ensuring these vibrant choruses of identity continue to sing.

#Felandus Thames

#beaded portraits

#Black Diaspora

#contemporary art

#mixed media

#featured

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