Artist Replete presents Redbone by Chicago artist Roger J. Carter. Constructed entirely from cut playing cards, this vivid portrait continues Carter’s exploration of identity through unconventional mediums.
The title references the cultural slang term “Redbone,” historically used within the African American community to describe a light-skinned Black woman, here reimagined with strength, style, and individuality. With layered reds and blacks forming her features, the portrait suggests both chance and choice, echoing Carter’s vision that each of us holds the power to play a unique hand in life.
South Side Chicago artist Roger J. Carter first gained recognition for his striking portraits of musicians, activists, and writers, most notably iconic depictions of figures such as James Baldwin constructed from toy soldiers. Once seen as simple playthings, the soldiers now take on profound new meaning in his work, becoming symbols of struggle, resilience, and collective strength.
Today, Carter continues to expand his assemblage practice through an ever growing range of materials including LEGO bricks, playing cards, computer keyboards, broken records, and found objects. More recently, he has begun creating original sculptural forms, extending his exploration of culture, identity, memory, and resistance into three dimensions.
Through each new body of work, Carter reimagines everyday materials as powerful vehicles for storytelling.
"For me I've always been political in my art. I've always done revolutionary characters and rebels. So in that regard, I consider my art as a form of protest.My Art Is My Protest."
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