KOLPEACE

Columbia, South Carolina artist Christopher "kolpeace" Johnson, born in '94, passionately explores his Black Southern culture and ancestral characters through liberating portraits, rapidly creating art in both studio and performance settings, all infused with a contemporary graffiti voice. Now residing in the South, after earning his MFA, his work embodies the impactful & harsh realities he experienced growing up black in the woods of 

South Carolina. 

- Headshot courtesy of Jameerrobinsonstudios

- honorarium - cash app; $kolpeace

Artwork statement by kolpeace 

(we had to) play “One Mo’Gin” - kolpeace

How do we express profound emotional and physical love? This sculptural installation serves as a poignant representation of labor infused with love. The pine straw, carefully harvested from the verdant grounds of the South, symbolizes my experiences of youth of gathering and buring it—moments spent outdoors, witnessing the enchanting transformation of the moon lighting up the evening sky.

The pine straw, darkened through a meticulous cooking and curing process, takes on a texture and appearance reminiscent of fallen hair. This evokes cherished memories of my mother, who has been a talented cosmetologist throughout my life, skillfully styling hair from dawn until dusk to ensure our well-being, all driven by her unwavering labor of love.

The spade symbol embedded within this narrative is rich with historical significance, carrying various interpretations. It has roots in a painful past, once a derogatory term in the 1920s used by white authors against Black individuals: “to call a spade a spade.” However, today this symbol has been embraced in card games, particularly Bid Whist and Spades, that were invented and popularized by the Black community. In this context, the spade transforms into an emblem of power and love, representing how we come together in solidarity, nurturing one another through both tumultuous and joyous times with music, fellowship and care.

This game becomes a metaphor for life and death, new beginnings, and the essence of humanity.I confidently reflect on the Voodoo album, a sound that embodies both sensuality and grace, while also serving as a powerful musical memory. I vividly recall the intimate moments shared with a beautiful Black woman, as well as the moments of melancholy when I heard it. This leads me to a compelling question: what sound or symbol powerfully conveys the essence of emotional and physical love?