EIP: What’s your earliest memory related to your passion for painting and photography?
CHRIS: My earliest memory of my passion for painting and photography dates back to my childhood. Back then, I always had a sense of observing the world around me and kept a notebook to record all my sketches. I was captivated by my family photo albums and the way they told stories beyond words—how a single image could evoke emotions and preserve histories. Painting, likewise, became a space where I could translate my thoughts and observations into something tangible, using layers of color and texture to reflect my perspective of the world. Over time, I came to realize that both mediums provided me with a voice—one that I could use to explore identity, memory, and the social realities that shape us.
EIP: How has politics changed the way you view and approach your craft?
CHRIS: Politics has greatly affected my approach to my craft, making me more intentional about my work and the messages I choose to convey. I have come to realize that art is never created in isolation; every brushstroke and photograph is influenced by the cultural and social climate in which we live. My work often reflects the intersections of race, identity, and power. It questions dominant narratives while presenting alternative perspectives rooted in lived experiences. In many ways, politics has heightened my awareness of the responsibilities that artists hold—to document, critique, and envision new possibilities. Whether through satire, symbolism, or direct commentary, my practice now serves as both a mirror and a call to action.
EIP: Your paintings seem like they are a cultural commentary by extension, is this true? If so, please elaborate on why or why not.
CHRIS: My paintings serve as a commentary on culture and reflect the times we live in. I draw from historical references and contemporary realities to create pieces that engage viewers in meaningful conversations. Through the lens of pop culture, propaganda, and personal narratives, my art explores how media, history, and societal structures shape our collective consciousness. I am particularly interested in how visual media, such as magazines, posters, and advertisements, influences our understanding of identity and politics. My goal is to encourage viewers to question what they see and to reflect on why they perceive it that way. Ultimately, my work seeks to bridge the past and present, encouraging people to reflect on the systems that govern our lives and how we can navigate them with awareness and agency. •
