Every piece in Derrick Carter’s show, entitled Thinking Out Loud, is striking. Jewel tones and pastels shimmer, stretch, and dance across the canvases while shadow and light play across curvaceous figures, peaceful seascapes, and precise tactical linework. His signature sand technique shifts effortlessly between hues; every granule is placed with intention.

*Peace of Mind*
Sand, glue, acrylic
32" x 42"

Carter’s work demands attention. It would be easy to get lost in the glittering finish of the pieces themselves, but that would be selling Carter’s work short. Much like the artist, there is a lot underneath the surface. The titles provide an entryway into the artist's state of mind, like in Anahata Dusk, where a young girl does yoga in silhouette on a sunset beach. In Sanskrit, anahata means “unstruck” or “unbeaten.” The chakra of the same name is closely related to the heart.

*Anahata Dusk*
Sand, glue, acrylic
24” x 24”

Pieces like All eyez on me reference a love of basketball and hip-hop culture and the added pressure of economic responsibility. In Carter’s piece, 2Pac sits above the rim of a basketball hoop. As the lyrics to the song of the same title go—

“So much trouble in the world, (expletive)

Can't nobody feel your pain

The world's changin' everyday, time's movin' fast”

*All Eyes on Me*
Sand, glue, acrylic
24" x 48"

In contrast, on an opposite wall, the beaming smile of a young girl shines in Good Friday.

*Good Friday*
Sand, glue, acrylic
36" x 36"

Welcome is by far the most enigmatic piece in the show. Reminiscent of stained glass, precise lines separate the kaleidoscope of colors. A hand enters the piece diagonally; a solid sparkling black background is interrupted by a slice of color at the bottom of the composition.

*Welcome*
Sand, glue and acrylic
20” x 20”

Themes of faith and sacrifice run through the titles, hidden beneath familiar imagery. Carter’s work excels at subtlety, inviting the audience to look past the surface to find deeper meaning.

*Ms. Indiana*
Sand, glue, acrylic
16" x 40"

See Thinking Out Loud in City Gallery through the rest of April.