March 19, 2024

Two Artists with Indianapolis ties did contrasting takes on Dr Ben Carson, the notable and controversial Neurosurgeon who recently ran for President against Donald Trump, and compared Slavery to Immigration with a statement that was met with tremendous Backlash from the Black Community.

Carson still is respected by many African-Americans and this was evident in a painting done by Sunn Anderson. Sunn, who was born and raised in Indianapolis and attended Pike High School, has gained notoriety for his beautifully abstract portraits of Athletes and other notable celebrities in Black Culture. Now living in Detroit, he is a influential member of the Black-Arts community in the Detroit area, and many celebrities  seek him out specifically to have portraits of themselves done. This is Sunn’s painting of Dr. Carson,  with the subject himself posing with Anderson.

 

Another Indy-native, JIM from @JoyWallArts had another take on Carson. Clearly influenced by the popular film “Get Out’ this portrayal seemed to bring out Carson’s “Sunken Place” (I would warn about spoilers, but who hasn’t seen this film yet?)

 

What is most interesting to me is how both of these pieces of Art were recognized and shared by both Dr. Carson, and Jordan Peele, the writer and director of “Get Out”. That speaks of the tremendous reach and talent of the artists involved, and also the differing viewpoints the younger and older generations of The Black Community feel about certain controversial individuals. The Black Community of Indianapolis should be proud to have such talent hailing from the city.

If you’re interested in seeing more work from these artists please visit their respective social media pages

Sunn Anderson: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=sunn%20anderson

Joy Wall Arts: https://www.instagram.com/joywallarts/