Gemini

Once again the pandemic has kept us from gathering in person to enjoy First Friday. But, hopefully many of you will get to see Derrick Carter’s show, “Gemini,” virtually. Carter creates work that is bold and colorful, with the surprising element of being painted with sand for a glittering, textured finish. For me, the most surprising aspect of this show is the artist himself. I am still smiling over the wonderful conversation I had with him as we walked from one piece of his artwork to the next in the Harrison Gallery. Although I’ve seen and enjoyed his paintings before, learning more about his story gave me fresh insight into his creations and a clearer understanding of the narrative they represent.

200 Years of Indiana. Sand & Acrylic, 6 pieces - 24' x 48" total

Several powerful life experiences set the stage for Carter’s development as an artist. His relationship with his grandmother and early church life were foundational, and even as a child he was always doodling and drawing. Later, as a teenager, Derrick was seriously injured when he was hit by a car. His recovery, which included six months in the hospital, was miraculous and he came away from the experience with a powerful new take on life.

As an art student in his senior year at Pike High School, he was given the challenge of creating anything he wanted without the use of traditional materials such as paint, brushes, pencils, etc. As a result, Derrick created artwork using gravel and dirt from his grandmother’s driveway. That was the beginning of his trademark passion for painting with sand.

Pepsi vs. Coke. Sand & Acrylic, 18" x 24"

After high school, Derrick enrolled at the Art Institute of Indianapolis and received a degree in graphic arts. Originally fearing the “starving artist” syndrome, he felt it wise to have skills that would be useful for employment. Those very graphic design principles are at the core of his current work. In fact, even before knowing this element of Derrick’s background, I couldn’t help but feel that the strongest pieces in this collection are those in which the artist combines his skill with text and color with the emotional response to his heroes and role models.

The pieces collectively called, “Dream” are great examples of this. This work was originally displayed at the Indianapolis International Airport and was so well received that it resulted in the enormous commissioned work called Indianapolis. But there’s more to the story.

Dream. Sand & Acrylic, 155" x 40"

After completing his first sand painting, Derrick excitedly brought the work to his mentor, Archie Mason, anxious for a response. His mentor was less than enthusiastic about the notion of painting with sand and he told Derrick to abandon the process and go back to traditional painting methods. As we stood before “Dreams” which features the images of Michelle and Barrack Obama, Rosa Parks, Spike Lee and Michael Jordan, among others, the artist posed the question, “What do all of these people have in common?”

The answer is that at some point in their lives they were told there was something they couldn’t do. Hence, being told that he shouldn’t paint with sand only made Derrick more determined to do it! Today the use of sand as his trademark medium of choice makes his thoughtful compositions easily identifiable as well as enjoyable to view.

Even during Covid it is possible to see this exciting show in person by contacting the Harrison Center to reserve a viewing time. The work of this young artist is well worth braving the cold for a trip to 16th and Delaware!