Dilla Says Go by Roger J. Carter is a portrait of legendary hip hop producer J. Dilla constructed from a vibrant mosaic of UNO cards. Carter’s signature assemblage technique transforms the familiar colors and symbols of the classic card game into a layered image that captures the rhythm, energy, and cultural legacy of one of music’s most influential figures.
By repurposing everyday materials tied to play and nostalgia, Roger J. Carter bridges music, memory, and pop culture. The fragmented arrangement of UNO cards forms a dynamic composition that mirrors the sampling and layering found in J. Dilla’s production style, turning a simple object into a powerful visual tribute to the artist’s enduring influence.
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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