After 4 Years, Roger J. Carter’s Long-Awaited Solo Show Arrives

In 2020, Roger J. Carter set out to create a body of work that was deeply personal and unapologetically political as his own form of artistic protest. Pairing miniature toy soldiers with portraits of revolutionary figures, Carter reimagined the iconography of resistance in a way that was both playful and piercing. What began as a bold experiment in the pandemic quickly caught fire, resonating with audiences far beyond his Chicago roots.

That following year, Carter debuted the collection in Unapologetic, a solo exhibition in Pilsen curated by Artist Replete. The show put him firmly on the map, drawing in collectors, curators, and art lovers alike. Not merely just a success, it was a turning point. The unique blend of cultural commentary and unconventional materials struck a chord, sparking a wave of commissions that would keep Carter’s studio humming for years to come.

As word spread, so did his reach. Carter’s work began finding its way into the hands of celebrity collectors, with names like Spike Lee, Lena Waithe and other prominent figures adding his pieces to their collections. The momentum even caught the attention of The New Yorker, which produced a documentary titled; Roger J. Carter: Rebel Revolutionary: an in-depth look of an artist who refuses to compromise on vision or message. 

In the years since, Carter has continued to evolve. While the toy soldier series remains a signature, he has been fearlessly experimenting with new mediums and materials, expanding his visual vocabulary while staying rooted in the themes that define his work.

Now, four years after his breakout moment, Carter is stepping back into the spotlight with Unapologetic 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the show that started it all. This new chapter promises a dynamic mix of familiar energy and fresh direction showcasing the ways Carter has grown as both an artist and a storyteller.  If you want to experience this milestone firsthand, secure your spot for opening day on Eventbrite. It's an opening you’ll want to witness in person.