Pieces of a Man: A Journey Through Identity and Code Switching" is an ongoing self-portrait series where I explore the intricate layers of my identity. Through vibrant colors and diverse mediums, I capture my face adorned with dreadlocks and a beanie, symbolizing personal expression and cultural heritage. Each painting represents a distinct facet of my identity, reflecting the complexities of who I am and the experience of code switching in different environments. By celebrating the beauty of diversity and inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences, "Pieces of a Man" serves as a visual narrative that encourages dialogue on race, culture, and individuality, embracing the stories that define us all.

Marcus Troy

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My artistic journey began at a young age when I discovered my love for drawing and doodling, particularly captivated by figurines and toys. My interest later evolved into a fascination with graffiti-style art, filling notebooks with my creations. However, it was a pivotal moment in school when a teacher recognized my talent and submitted my artwork to a local art exhibition without my knowledge. Winning third place ignited my artistic aspirations, but unfortunately, the support from my West Indian parents led me down a different path. During the pandemic in 2020, I found myself facing a challenge to paint a digital drawing I had created for fun. In that process, the suppressed emotions and artistic feelings flooded back, unveiling a newfound love for painting and art. Throughout the years, I have expressed myself creatively through photography, clothing and shoe design, but now painting has become my new passion. My artwork is a reflection of my subconscious mind, influenced by my upbringing, the Black experience, and my perception of how the world sees me. I delve into self-portraits, exploring complexities, identities, and the layers of my personality. Travel, music, art, food, the diaspora, and pop culture stories surrounding race also shape my artistic expression. My motivation as an artist is to tell stories. I firmly believe that the world doesn't need more clothes, art, or things; it needs more ideas. Through various mediums, art has become my new language of expression, offering a direct glimpse into how my mind works and how I perceive the world as a creative individual.