Duane Jones – I am. I was.
Earlier this year, I joined Hermes Art Cooperative and now I’m excited to announce my first solo show as a member.
Exploring themes of identity, I am. I was. is a collection of works that explore Jones’ early aspirations to feel safe, secure and respected by developing the physique and abilities of comic book characters and the ‘80s/’90s action stars who personified them through a specific performance of masculinity.
Paintings like Black Saiyan depict the alter-ego Jones channels for motivation when he’s at his physical limit. Hood Legend is a photo series about legacy and unsung heroes, and Punishment is a painting where Jones grapples with feelings of guilt and mourning after his own actions lead to him getting seriously injured.
I am. I was. asks the viewer to consider who we are when something that we have made a core part of our identity no longer serves us.
1-30 August 2026
Friday-Sunday: 12-6 pm
Artist talk: Sunday 30 August 3 pm
Hermes Art Gallery Cooperative Limited
5682 North Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
