99% NO.52 Mr.Big 2013

Curator: This quick sketch, "99% NO.52 Mr. Big" by Sedrick Huckaby, presents a seated figure in charcoal or graphite. The dimensions are roughly 14 by 8 inches. I'm struck by the immediacy of the line work. Editor: It's raw, isn't it? The hatching and cross-hatching feel almost frantic, creating a sense of vulnerability in the subject. The figure seems burdened, almost collapsing inward. I'm intrigued by the air pump and the boxes in the background, giving context to the everyday scene. Curator: Agreed. And look at the inscription at the bottom – a snippet of conversation, a challenge to the viewer. It seems Huckaby is inviting us to consider the value, or lack thereof, assigned to the subject, by creating a direct reference to class and income. The sketch embodies his relationship with his materials, it is a testament to his focus on labor. Editor: The hat, rendered with swirling lines, reads like a halo or crown, which creates a poignant contrast. This could be the artist's way of imbuing him with an iconographic, if ambiguous, power. I sense the man embodies both weariness and resilience. Curator: The material handling really reinforces that sense of resilience you observe. Editor: This piece really leaves you with a lot to think about. Curator: It certainly does, making you appreciate the artist's skill and the person portrayed.