Jerome Soimaud is a White French-American artist residing in Miami and began honing his artistic talents while studying at the Academie de la Grande Chaumiere, after working under the instruction of architect Alain Farel at The Ecole Nationale Superieur des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
His artistic style has been described as, “Rooted in the knowledge of spirit: that which is not always viewed, but deeply felt,” and focuses on expressionist abstraction.
Soimaud‘s artwork is currently being displayed at the BlackFreedom exhibit at the Yeelen Gallery in Miami, which also hosted Chris Bosh‘s “An Evening of Art” event during Art Basel last year. The BlackFreedom exhibit launched February 18th and will come to a close May 2nd.
According to the press release for the exhibit, “BlackFreedom documents the Civil Rights Movement in Miami and prominently features a tribute to the last hours of Jumbo’s Restaurant, an indelible symbol of the end of Jim Crow in America.” This powerful exhibit is quite relevant in the wake of the increased incidents of police brutality and the killing unarmed black males in America. It’s a just reminder that although our president is black, America has a lot of work to do in regards to basic human rights as noted in the Constitution and socially.
Yeelen Gallery owner, Karla Ferguson expresses this sentiment and expresses how Jerome‘s works connects with current social issues, “Tragedies like the killing of Michael Brown and its aftermath indicate that the nation is facing a crisis of racial and socioeconomic disorder. And it’s not just a ‘black problem’, it’s everyone’s problem. Jerome’s searing, unforgettable work speaks directly to this mounting division and offers an opportunity for deep, healing, reflection, and a continuation of activism.”
Jerome‘s most frequent subject matter are those he meets on his travels and in his local neighborhood; he portrays his subjects with tenderness, recording moments as both observer and participant which can be seen in his works below.
Shadow
Photo Credit: Jerome Soimaud
This first piece is entitled, “Shadow” and displays a 17-year old boy whom lives in little Haiti.
Keystone
Photo Credit: Jerome Soimaud
This second piece is entitled, “Keystone” and shows off a group of young black men who are first and second generation immigrants who are hanging out behind local bodega, Jenin’s.
Vagabond
Photo Credit: Jerome Soimaud
This last piece is entitled, “Vagabond”, which is a portrait of a homeless man having a meal in a dignified manner in the historic Jumbo’s Restaurant when it first began in integrate it’s clientele and staff.
If you enjoy Soimaud‘s art, you can check out more here and if you are in the Miami area make sure you find some time to visit his BlackFreedom exhibit at the Yeelen Gallery. You have until May 2nd to make that happen – bring a date, bring the kids or go with friends. All of his works are beautiful, extremely moving and really captures the souls of it’s subject. You won’t be disappointed.
More information on Jerome Soimaud’s BlackFreedom Exhibit can be found here.
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Catrise J is the owner of Vault of 1520 and Content Creator for Dirty Glove Bastard (DGB). Catrise is a self described “free-spirit” and always shares what’s on her mind. She enjoys Hip Hop, nature, reading, 420 and 90’s R&B. Her idols include Angie Martinez, Tupac, Oprah, and Warren Buffet. You can connect with Catrise on social media.
