Larry Poncho

LARRY PONCHO.

VISUAL ARTIST, MARYLAND INSTITUTE COLLEGE OF ART (ALUMNI).

In the early 1980’s, I had a huge interest in science fiction and fantasy. This oddly fascinating subject dominated my work. Around that time that I also fell in love with the airbrush. I had just graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Soon after graduation, I began to have an urge to produce works that were a reflection of me, and some of the visions, and issues in my head, which my earlier works never accomplished. For awhile the prospect had me staring into blank canvas. It was as if I had nothing to say. I recalled a discussion I had with a much lighter skinned lady friend, where we debated who had the toughest childhood being BLACK with regard to skin tone in the 70’s. I remember that conversation getting a little heated at times, but for the sake of our friendship, we both shifted into neutral. Soon after, I did a few sketches exploring that concept, with our conversation echoing deep into my spirit. It begged the question; How do we deal with the subject of racism and prejudice, when we practice it within our own group?

It was 30 years ago that I attempted to open dialogue about a subject of much family debate and conversation. The result was a piece I tilted “Black Is Black.” Created in 1988. In 1992, I would go on to create a male version to complete the series. In the female version, the figures were from my imagination, but I utilized models for the male version, and would become my only published self portrait. The entire colorism series was created with airbrushing. This series was later expanded to 11 works.

Artists never know in advance, which of their works will become their best seller. In fact, when I first presented “Black Is Black” to Things Graphics and Fine Art, who historically became the largest African American owned art publisher, I was first told that the piece would never sell, because it was not rendered in a traditional medium. In frustration, I took a gamble and decided to self publish the image. The piece would quickly become one of the top 5 best selling black art prints in the nation. The subject of colorism hadn’t been depicted in art. The “Black Is Black” series would become the first reproductions of its kind to visually and dynamically address the subject of colorism, while garnering huge commercial success, and a fan following. Released as open editions, the series were designed to be accessible, affordable works of art. It also became one of my most licensed images to date having been produced in book covers, calendars, puzzles, watches, tee shirts, and several other product lines.

The rest, they say, is history. Soon thereafter television shows like “A Different World” would include it on the set of the show. Overnight it became mainstream, with a huge HBCU following. The message resonated with folks of all skin tones. I felt a sense redemption that the piece had been received so well. I had once again proved my naysayers wrong.

“The melanated people add beauty to the world with their various tones and hues, and without them, life would be a bland cultural and visual experience.” - Larry Poncho Brown