Erik Sommer

Muted
Year: 2007
Medium: Mixed medium on canvas
Dimensions: 36 " x 36 "

Artist Statement:

Harlem is home. As an outsider who moved in, Harlem has become my new community, full of my friends, neighbors and colleagues. Harlem to me means culture, diversity, opportunity and moments of comfort followed by moments of uncertainty.

My work too deals with these issues. I create the passing of time (change) through the deterioration of texture. Although a different type of change (and uncertainty), the urban and grittiness of my work reflects the neighborhood in which I live, and the renewal and beauty that is found in these overlooked places. I strive to capture this opportunity of hope, and new beginnings, while offering a place to reflect upon history's time.

Harlem is changing, as life constantly does, but her beauty and power remains as fervent as ever.