'SHEREN' Explores Two Years of Cleon Grey's Spiritual Journey
Grey and photographer Adrienne Raquel venture through New Mexico, Arizona and the soul.
Some art books recall the careers of storied artists while others delve into humankind’s creative legacies. Cleon Grey’s ‘SHEREN’ (“Sharing”) is far more personal; this new tome draws from the artist’s past two years on Earth to collect his experiences, thoughts, memories and personal moments in one tangible body of work.
Alongside photographer Adrienne Raquel, Grey departs his basement apartment in the South Bronx for an expedition across New Mexico, culminating in self-discovery and rumination that explores his 30 years of existence. Musings on relationships, family, America and Black identity inform ‘Sheren,’ accompanied by intimate, color-soaked imagery provided by Raquel and Grey himself. Exclamations like “DRAGONFRUIT,” “YOU GOT MY SOUL” and “I WANT TO WAKE UP” punctuate the prose and photos, granting readers an lucid view of Grey’s unfurling psyche.
“The goal of my entire existence is to try to do something that creates a feeling or an emotion in someone,” Grey explains. “I feel that’s what we’re all here to do.”
Order a limited edition hardcover copy on SHEREN’s website for $35 USD.
For more thoughtful art books, view The Time is Now’s anti-racist fundraiser, which includes raffle prizes from the likes of Antwaun Sargent and Shaniqwa Jarvis.
