Distant Memories
Mindy Solomon is pleased to present Florida native Jamaal Peterman’s inaugural exhibition Distant Memories, an homage to childhood, reminiscence and introspection.
Born in Florida and now a resident of New York, Peterman’s collection serves as a profound exploration of the intersection of personal history, community resilience, and the ever-evolving landscapes of his birthplace. The exhibition weaves dreams, familial legacies, and the dynamic tapestry of Florida’s history, inviting viewers to reflect on the profound connections between memory, heritage, and the evolving narratives of self and place.
Peterman’s geometric art transcends conventional boundaries, illuminating an “absolute reality” where color and form communicate intricate hierarchies of space, movement, and societal dynamics, including reflections on class and race. Distant Memories delves into the artist’s contemplation of how black and brown bodies navigate urban spaces. Through the use of rich color and symbolic forms, Peterman encodes elements within his paintings, representing black bodies, communities, businesses, and ecosystems. The lines and forms within his work evoke not only connections but also routes of access and exclusion, making poignant references to flows of information, portal, and a gateway to historical processes like symbols of development.
Peterman states: “This solo exhibition serves as a poignant return to my roots, a journey back to my birthplace that offers a fleeting glimpse into the cherished recesses of my memories. It is a heartfelt exploration of Florida’s vibrant community and a profound reflection on the intricate tapestry of my heritage, seen through the lens of childhood expression and the enduring imprint that Florida has left on its inhabitants. Through the dense texture and intricate symbolism of Distant Memories I delve into the complexities of what we have lost and what we have inherited. This body of work is a personal odyssey, a visual narrative woven from the threads of my origin—it is my place. The symbols within each piece resonate with a rich history of change, inviting contemplation on the present stage of my journey and the collective narrative of those who have walked before me.”
The exhibition is focused on 4 large scale works that highlight different moments of importance and awareness in the artist’ life: “Dreamer’s Odyssey”, “Big Teacha”, “Category 5”, and “Distant Relative”. Each large scale work a testament to his painting chops- fluctuating between abstract and representational. Powerful, joyous and commanding. Each piece draws you in with the promise of an expanded world view.
About Jamaal Peterman
Jamaal Peterman (b. 1990, Fort Lauderdale, FL); lives and works in New York, received his MFA at Pratt Institute (2019) and BFA from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (2014). He has been included in exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA), Columbus Museum of Art, Baltimore Museum of Art, Public ArtFund, New York; the University of Chicago; Kavi Gupta, Chicago; James Fuentes, New York and Vigo Gallery, London.
Peterman has been awarded the Peter S. Reed Foundation grant, commissioned by MoMA PS1, and has undertaken residencies at NXTHVN Residency, Pioneer Works Residency, Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, MASS MoCA, Fountainhead Residency. White Roads on Black Soil follows Peterman’s first exhibition at the gallery, Grunch In Bed, and his online exhibition, Tales from the Hood, were both held in 2020 – 2021.