A new exhibit showcasing the works of artist and Brooklyn-native Clarence Heyward at the Richard Beavers Gallery invites viewers to reflect on the weight of the nation's history, while advocating for a just future for Black America.
Situated in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, the gallery kicked off Black History Month with American Fiction, featuring 13 works by Heyward, whose art explores themes of identity, heritage and the Black experience in America.
The exhibition blurs the lines between history, imagination and reality, unfolding as a cinematic journey that layers collective memory with personal experience. Heyward’s paintings are fragmented chapters in themselves, exploring the tension between enduring systems and the urgent need for transformation. His raw, poetic vision does not obscure the truth—it amplifies it.
The exhibition also serves as both a disclaimer and an invitation, urging viewers to confront the conflicting narratives embedded in the American consciousness. It poses the questions: Who writes our story, and whose voices remain unheard? Heyward reclaims art as a radical tool to reshape the narrative of Black America, daring the audience not just to reconsider the past, but to rewrite the future.
“The idea of America being for everyone is fiction,” said Heyward, underscoring the central message of the show.
One of the signature elements of Heyward’s work is his use of Chroma Key green. His figures, often presented as frontal, single-figure portraits against bright, flat backgrounds, reflect the complexity of Black identity.
“I use green in relation to the Chroma Key, which is a green screen used in media,” explained Heyward. “I speak specifically to Blackness and Black people. The media shapes perceptions using technology, and I paint Black people green to show how these perceptions are created and distorted.”
Camouflage also plays a central role in his art, symbolizing the ongoing struggle against violence directed at Black bodies and the experience of being bound—to place, history, body and nation. These motifs evoke a legacy of protest and survival, challenging viewers to rethink justice, patriotism and collective strength.
Redefining narratives is rooted in Heyward’s own transformative journey into the world of art.
“I used to paint and draw as a kid and went to LaGuardia High School, but I didn’t start painting seriously until six years ago,” he shared. “When I turned 35, with my family’s support, I decided I wanted more. I quit my job and became an artist. I’ve lived here half my life, and I didn’t know this was possible, so it feels good to show people in the neighborhood what they can achieve. This is all I do now.”
After closing the Soho location, Richard Beavers said the gallery's focus on Bed-Stuy marks a renewed commitment to giving artists a platform and the resources to succeed while remaining rooted in Brooklyn.
“Growing up, we had to leave Brooklyn to experience art, and I wanted to bring that passion back home," he said. "It’s about giving our community access to art created by artists who look like us, work that reflects our culture.”
Beavers said he likes to showcase artists with authenticity.
“When I look at Clarence’s work, the presence of the Black male figure and camouflage stands out. It’s powerful and meaningful. There is a resounding message in Clarence’s work that America needs to hear and see, and we will continue to advocate for him.”
The Richard Beavers Gallery is located at 408 Marcus Garvey Blvd.
