Used to be Boys 2, 2017

Alexis McGrigg, a contemporary artist born in 1989, is renowned for her evocative explorations of Black identity, spirituality, and collective memory. Her work often integrates a range of media, including painting, charcoal, and mixed media, to create atmospheric pieces that reflect on personal and cultural narratives. McGrigg’s art is heavily influenced by themes of transcendence and self-discovery, frequently addressing the metaphysical experience of Blackness. Her ability to blend abstraction with figurative elements allows her to convey complex emotions, inviting viewers into a reflective space where they can engage with ideas of memory, identity, and existence.

In her 2017 artwork Used to be Boys 2, McGrigg uses Procion dye, charcoal, and acrylic on an unstretched canvas measuring 72 x 60 inches. This large-scale piece explores themes of transformation and the shifting narratives around Black masculinity. The interplay between the fluidity of the Procion dye and the starkness of the charcoal creates a dynamic tension, reflecting the emotional depth and complexity of the subject matter. The abstract forms evoke a sense of movement and transition, capturing a moment of becoming, while the soft hues and layered textures underscore McGrigg’s exploration of identity as a fluid, evolving experience. Through Used to be Boys 2, McGrigg meditates on the growth and transformation of Black male identity, offering a poignant reflection on memory, vulnerability, and strength.