In the summer of 2015, African American Atlanta artist Michi Meko almost drowned. Inviting the influence of this life-changing event into his studio practice led to paintings and sculptures that focus on the African American experience of navigating public spaces while remaining buoyant within them. This work contributes to an important conversation, as African Americans in public space are consistently threatened, now more visibly and openly than ever with the evidence offered by social media. This barrage of images simulates an experience of drowning under the heavy weight of ten thousand pounds of pressure while being held to the ocean’s floor.
