Dennis RedMoon Darkeem is inspired to create artwork based on the familiar objects he views through his daily travels. He discovers elements in existing architecture and among everyday items found within the home. Darkeem ultimately set out to express a meaningful story about events in his life and the lives of people in the communities where he works. Darkeem utilizes multiple mediums in his work. This creates a rich viewer experience as the eye uncovers the multiple layers.
Since starting his work as a professional artist in the early 2000s, it has evolved into critiquing social and political issues affecting the US and indigenous Native American culture. Much of Darkeem’s art has focused on issues like institutionalized racism and classism, jarring stereotypes, and the displacement of people of color. As an interdisciplinary artist, Darkeem expresses these motifs through fine art, drawings, paintings, collages, photography, sculpture, and installations. He incorporates a craftwork aesthetic in many of his pieces to connect tradition with the contemporary. He seeks to create discussions through color, texture, symbolism, and geometric designs. His work evokes a historical memory and questions the status quo. Darkeem’s work has become a conduit connecting his artistic ideas and concepts to the public realm. As a Maroon artist living in New York City, his work reflects and is representative of his life experiences. Darkeem’s work is not in a vacuum; it crosses boundaries of culture, identity, and perception of self.
Flags, 2018
People, 2019
Seeing Me in Me, 2019
Warclubs, 2019