Art Imitates Life

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It is often said that art imitates reality. This couldn't be more true when looking at the work of Los Angeles based artist and activist Chris Anthony. When he sent us his work a few weeks ago we knew we couldn't just post one photo from it on Instagram and leave it at that. The images are well shot and striking.

In the current climate of the United States, we as black people are battling multiple wars on different fronts. Healthcare disparities, police brutality, education inequality are only the tip of the iceberg of what we have to deal with regularly.

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When looking at his imagery, we see clothing of the revolution, but against the backdrop of a world falling apart. The images are anachronistic and our minds have to resolve that we see modern buildings and roads but attire from a time which is no more.

 Strong images of black women and vulnerable images of black men will take your mind on a journey which it was never expecting. The meanings behind this photo series are endless. Pictures are worth a thousand words, but we're trying to condense it in just a few.

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These images remind us that the world hasn't changed. The feelings towards black people haven't changed, and although the chains are off in one way, they are still on in some others. A lot of time has passed since the American revolution. The question that these photographs evoke is "what's changed?"

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The photographs are an artistic expression of protest. Wealth and income inequality is the backbone of systemic racism. Access to the resources which will put us in a position that we can be able to compete is few. A country of millions of black people, some of whom have gone overseas and served honorably, has done nothing substantive to ensure equality.

Chris Anthony is a great example of an artist using his craft to tell a clear and concise story. Check the series out below. Also, check out and support his website and Instagram below!

www.chris-anthony.com

@chrisanthony2112

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