Curatorial Notes

In his series titled LOVERBOY, David “Mr. StarCity” White unveils portraits of passion and vulnerability. The paintings are expressionistic; using soil and sand he forms figures through tactile patchwork of rough, irregular fields of color. The expressions on their faces raise curiosity from its viewers: it could be a smile, a scorn, or a face of worry. They carry a candid quality of a face not posing for a camera.

The series is part of Mr. StarCity’s research on emotions and the pains that are inevitable to the human experience. It explores the complex manifestations of feeling and asks: In what forms does love appear aside from admiration of strength and perfection? How does one respond when faced with the frailties and faults of others?

Mr. StarCity grew up in Brooklyn, New York during ’80s and ’90s in a neighborhood which he describes as one of the toughest places that one could be raised in. The subjects in his past bodies of work were depictions of real life experiences and encounters with strangers, friends and family. He tells the stories that are often omitted from mainstream narratives about black identity and the generational trauma that comes with it. “I'm an artist who triumphed over adversities through self-belief. I crafted my life with each stroke, painting a wonderful world I proudly call my own,” he shares.

LOVERBOY affirms Mr. StarCity’s continuous transformation, seen in his fearless experimentation with subject matter and techniques for storytelling. “As my artworks journey to new destinations, my hope is that they carry with them the joy, understanding, and contemplation I poured into them. I aim for my art to evoke emotions, prompting you to ponder, question, and reflect on it, the world, or yourself.”

Mr. StarCity’s creative process typically begins by selecting a line from a poem he wrote: “This chosen line sets the mood and dictates the colors of the artwork. The moment I step back, smile, and fully surrender to its beauty, I recognize that the work of art is complete.”

“I'm optimistic that LOVERBOY will resonate with the Philippines, a nation known for its passionate spirit. I believe it will be embraced and appreciated with the same love that I hold for it,” he added.

Words by Carla Gamalinda

About the Artist

David "Mr. StarCity" White is a multidisciplinary visual artist whose work spans a diverse range of media across painting, sculpture, poetry, music, performance, film, photography and installation art. Growing up across Brooklyn during the ‘80s, Mr.StarCity spent his childhood and formative years creating large-scale murals in memorial to the many friends he lost to violence.

It was when Mr. StarCity began painting that he found his calling and discovered its potential to affect community, uplift spirits and create positive change through the healing power of art.

Photo credit: Mr. Telli Ratcliff