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Mumbo Jumbo#10

Creator: Francks Deceus
Offered by: Arco Gallery

Description
Francks Deceus’s Mumbo Jumbo series comes alive in this dynamic and visually arresting painting. The composition features swirling ribbons of orange and cream, fragmented fire hose motifs that dominate the canvas and entwine a barely visible figure. This piece intensifies the sense of chaos and confinement, suggesting the overwhelming societal pressures and historical struggles that shape identity. The bold reds and oranges evoke emotional urgency, while playful emojis scattered throughout the painting provide a stark contrast, highlighting the tension between lighthearted symbols and deeper cultural narratives.

Deceus’s exploration of Black identity resonates strongly, much like the work of Haitian artist Edouard Duval-Carrié, who similarly fuses surrealism with cultural iconography. The title Mumbo Jumbo references Ishmael Reed’s novel, where distorted identity and societal constraints are central themes. Here, the frenetic energy and tangled forms mirror Reed’s narrative, reflecting the complexity of navigating identity within a system of external pressures. This work serves as a thought-provoking addition to any interior, offering layers of visual and conceptual richness.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Period:	2000-2021
Creation Date:	2019
Styles / Movements:	African American, Contemporary
Dealer Reference #:	FD062
Incollect Reference #:	774436

Dimensions

W.	19 in;	H.	22 in;
W.	48.26 cm;	H.	55.88 cm;

Message from Seller:

Arco Gallery, founded in 2013 by Valentina Puccioni, offers a truly personalized art experience in the heart of SoHo, NYC. Located in a historic loft and open by appointment only, the gallery provides exclusive, intimate viewings, away from the mainstream gallery scene. P: 212.226.1207 E: valentina@arcogallery.com