Darreon Carbin: Challenging Misconceptions of the Dark Complexion

Artist Statement

As an African American, I feel that my people and culture are not always positively portrayed in popular media. Many assumed misconceptions and biases can cloud perspective and perception. My art seeks to challenge perspectives and provoke thought among viewers. Through my photography, I aim to break stereotypes and provide a visual alternative of darker skin that is not often portrayed in media. How would people with dark skin like to be portrayed? I like to present us artistically in a way that shows emotion, presents power and examines our beauty through a colorful ethereal lens. I explore these narratives through themes of empathy, power, grace, and elegance.

Challenging Misconceptions Of The Dark Complexion

2021 VADS - People's Choice Voting

About the project

Title of Work: Challenging Misconceptions of the Dark Complexion
Medium: digital photographs
Student's Name: Darreon Carbin
Major: Art
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2023
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Student's Mentor: Joe Johnson
Mentor's Department: School of Visual Studies

Comments

Rosalind Denson

Love his work and his message! Beautiful, timely, courageous! Great job!

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Margaret L Williams

The photos are filled with emotions. Excellent! Job well done.

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Beverly Holman

Awesome photos and video!!! So proud of you.

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Marlon Rhodeman

Great job! Very proud of you! You know I love art and I too was an art major! Keep God first and He will do the excelling!

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Candace Robinson

Vote

Danielle Redden

Extraordinary!!!! You have always amazed me!

Darreon Carbin

Thank you!

Davette Henry

So proud of you, continue to let your light shine bright.

Darreon Carbin

Thank you!

Jennifer Strayhorn

Incredible artist with an inspiring and powerful message!

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Dewanda Forrest

Just amazing I Love the art work! So proud of you!

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Mia

Beautiful... so talented I'm proud of you!!!

Darreon Carbin

Thank you Mia!

Dennisha Carbin

So beautiful inside and out! I always knew that you were one of a kind , so authentic not to be duplicated. Your work work of art is so amazing and uplifting. I am so proud of you son, continue to shine bright !

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much mom! You are going to make me cry!

Sarah Humfeld

Darreon, your images are gorgeous! I am especially entranced by the central image of the mother (?) and son. If that is the relationship, then I am fascinated by the female figure looking outward, directly at the viewer, rather than toward her offspring. This image actually gives me a sense of 'mama-bear' protectiveness and power. My interpretation may not be what you intended, but it conveys a powerful and beautiful image of motherhood to me. Thank you for sharing!

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much for your comments and your interpretation of my work. My goal as an artist is to provoke thought amongst viewers and to get them to think deeper into my work. I love when viewers pull out new meanings and new interpretations of my work that can speak to them.

Tiffany Young

Beautiful pictures.

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Tiffany Young

Beautiful pictures.

Marcus Wilkins

Stunning, thought-provoking, eamlessly orchestrated editing. You have succeeded at challenging misconceptions, a goal stated in your artist statement.

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Stacy Taylor

Absolutely beautiful work! I am so impressed and proud of you! Keep expressing yourself and leading others to think deeply. Very well done!

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Thelma Talton

Great job! I enjoyed viewing your art and your presentation on what you are trying to get across bwith your work.

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Sheila Carbin

You are absolutely awesome great nephew, we love you and pray that everything you put your hands on succeeds!!! Congratulations on your beautiful artwork!!!

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Benton Kidd

"Power, grace, and elegance" are well chosen adjectives to describe these but they are evocative on many levels. I wonder if historical religious imagery was an inspiration? The first image recalls religious icons, while the second reminds of me of the traditional "Madonna and Child" images. And what a difference enlarging them makes. For anyone passing through quickly, make sure to click!

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much for your comments. Religious imagery wasn't my initial inspiration, but after completing my work I did begin to notice similarities. I love historical religious art works and I believe that they are beautiful. I am happy that you were able to draw connections from my work to beautiful historical works of the past.

Darreon Carbin

Jim Spain

Love the pictures. Your message is personal and very powerful. Thank you.

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much!

Darlene Davis

Darreon, I have gone back many times over the last month to look at your work, and I have not been disappointed at any viewing. Your pictures are beautiful and you have certainly met your goal if challenging challenging the prevalent perception of the dark skin. Excellent, relevant work. So proud of you.

Darreon Carbin

Thank you so much Grandie!

Lorenzo Davis

U are awesome I am very proud to call you my son I love everything about you and it's only gonna get better keep working hard And achieving your goals

Danielle Price

You're so creative. Keep up the good work!