Forgiveness is one of life’s most challenging yet rewarding acts. It has the power to lift burdens, clear minds, and create an unparalleled sense of emotional freedom. Renowned artist Titus Kaphar explores this profound theme in his latest exhibition, “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” which intertwines personal narrative with broader themes of family, trauma, and reconciliation through both painting and film.
A personal narrative unfolds
Currently on display at Gagosian Beverly Hills, Kaphar’s exhibition features 15 new paintings that serve as a visual counterpart to his feature film of the same name. This semi-autobiographical film delves into Kaphar’s complex relationship with his estranged father, a journey that began with an unexpected reunion after 15 years. This encounter stirred unresolved emotions and prompted Kaphar to document their relationship in a short film titled The Jerome Project. However, this initial attempt at closure did not yield the understanding he sought, leading him to explore deeper narratives through his art.
Art as a medium for healing
Years later, Kaphar felt compelled to share his experiences with his two sons, which laid the groundwork for the film’s narrative. The story follows a Black artist named Tarrell Rodin, portrayed by André Holland, who faces the re-emergence of his father, La’Ron, just as he is on the brink of professional success. This narrative mirrors Kaphar’s own life, as Tarrell confronts the emotional scars of his past.
Visual storytelling through paintings
“Exhibiting Forgiveness” is not just an exhibition; it is a powerful exploration of familial relationships and the emotional weight they carry. Kaphar’s paintings are filled with personal objects and neighborhood facades that reflect themes of absence and loss. His innovative use of traditional oil painting techniques combined with unconventional materials, such as gold leaf and tar, challenges viewers to confront the tensions between divine transcendence and the burdens of the past.
- Bad memories more saturated than good ones (2023): This piece features an overburdened truck, symbolizing childhood trauma and the weight of carrying the past.
- For your prayer closet (2023): This painting incorporates materials from The Jerome Project and symbolizes both transcendence and the darkness of familial wounds.
Forgiveness: A complex journey
At the core of both the exhibition and the film is the concept of forgiveness. Kaphar emphasizes that forgiveness is not about achieving a neatly wrapped, happy ending. He reflects, “Movies really want to give you a clean ending … when sometimes the reality is what we have is not a happy ending as much as a hopeful beginning.” His ongoing journey with his father is a testament to the slow and often painful process of healing.
Embracing new mediums
Kaphar’s venture into filmmaking is a natural extension of his storytelling as a visual artist. He believes that exploring new mediums is essential for artistic growth. As he puts it, “If you only know how to paint, then your creative and artistic outlet will only be paintings. But if you are willing to learn new practices, then as they say, the sky’s the limit.” This philosophy has allowed him to convey stories that cannot be fully expressed through paint alone.
