Duane JONES

I am. I was.

1 — 30 August 2026

Friday — Sunday 12 — 6

Opening reception: Saturday 1 August @ 3 pm

Artist talk: Sunday 30 August @ 3 pm

Exploring themes of identity, I am. I was. is a collection of works that explore Jones’ early aspirations to feel safe, secure and respected by developing the physique and abilities of comic book characters and the ‘80s/’90s action stars who personified them through a specific performance of masculinity.

Paintings like Black Saiyan depict the alter-ego Jones channels for motivation when he’s at his physical limit. Hood Legend is a photo series about legacy and un-sung heroes, and Punishment is a painting where Jones grapples with feelings of guilt and mourning after his own actions lead to him getting seriously injured.

I am. I was. asks the viewer to consider who we are when something that we have made a core part of our identity no longer serves us.