Iridescent Pigment on Wood
Popsicle Stick
Toy Soldiers
12" x 24"
Artist Replete presents Strawberry Beret by Chicago artist Roger J. Carter. This vibrant work transforms a nostalgic summer popsicle into a textured surface built from toy soldiers, their tiny berets giving the piece its playful yet layered title.
The name Strawberry Beret playfully echoes Prince’s famous song, while carving out its own meaning through Carter’s unique medium and style. Equal parts sweet and subversive, the artwork invites viewers to reflect on innocence, joy, and the unexpected ways history and identity can be embedded into everyday objects.
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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