Matter Studio Gallery additional details forthcoming

Opening Reception: July 23
Artist Talk: August 13
Closing Reception: August 20

IDENTITY THEFT: Creations From a Social Conscience
By Chukes and Foreword by David Pagel
$70

Extraordinary collection of artist’s sculptures and paintings invite you to contemplate the causes and effects of misrepresentation of historical facts and its dire effects on the past and present world through his distinctive point of view

Event date:
Saturday, May 27, 2023 - 1:30pm-5:00pm

Event address:
The Creative House
122 N Market St
Inglewood, CA 90301

Published: Sagest Press, March 2023
ISBN: 9781949587043
Available at: The Creative House and chukesartbooks

Reach into the soul of Chukes and experience the thought-provoking writings and brilliant art works in Identity Theft. The quality and texture of the book is a beautiful work of art, just like one of Chukes’ sculptures. Once you touch this book, you will not want to put it down!

Identity Theft introduces you to a body of work that was initially a protest against the televised brutality and killings of Black people and people of color. But the world changed in the past few years, and Chukes’ art evolved with it. Chukes tells the truth by bringing history to life in his art and through his point of view.

Foreword by David Pagel, a Professor of Art Theory and History at Claremont Graduate University, nationally acclaimed art critic and art curator, and adjunct professor at the Parrish Art Museum. Pagel writes “the hands-on, labor-intensive integrity of [Chukes’] workmanship puts great demands on himself while at the same time inspiring us viewers to be our best selves—to pay attention to details—to see beyond the obvious, to sense what is invisible, to question what we have been told, and to think for ourselves.”

What others are saying:

Poly V: “I love every page of this book!!”

Adam D: “Once I touched the book, I knew I had to buy it!”

Bernie S: “I made my way through your book, it’s so awesome! Other people I’ve shown it to are very impressed, as well. They ask me how I know you and I tell them and they’re blown away at how deep your well of creativity is. And thank you for the thoughtful inscription, it really means a lot to me. Best of luck with this project, I hope it opens more doors for you!”

Paul C: Well done✊🏾

Dr. Cindy Urrutia: “Identity Theft is more than a thematic body of work. It is a provocative conscious endeavor meant to elicit deep and meaningful conversations on black history, erasure, identity, and culture at a pivotal time where we are witnessing a national reckoning with our past. Its strength is amplified by Chukes’ juxtaposition of tensions —exposing systematic oppression, racism and violence alongside beauty, tenderness, and love. Be prepared to have your senses stimulated, your mind questioning, and your heart feeling.”

Bess W: “Fabulous book!”

Michael C: “My House is Again Blessed.”

Linda M: “The book IDENTITY THEFT is a beautiful masterpiece that is a ‘one of a kind’ fascinating cultural journey. The concept is brilliant. Knowing the creative passion behind each work of art is a very exciting spiritual experience. Thank You Michael Chukes for sharing your genius!”

Matter Studio Gallery (via Instagram): “INCREDIBLE! And Enlightening!”

Garland_Artist (via Instagram): “This book is Amazing, I've read it twice. Beautiful Cover. Yes 65 Beautiful pieces of Chukes works. It's a must have.”

Jeffrey T: Unparcelled work of master art from a master sculptor and artist. This is a art class and lesson in black history all at once. So thankful for the storytellng and the what and why behind the art sculptors all at the same time. This book will be relevant in 150 years from now as it was 150 years ago.

Bernardo S: Fast response, status updating and shipping. Book was well packed. Book is great!

Patricia M: The order process was easy and the shipment on-time. The product quality was outstanding and the book content was breathtaking, enlightening, and educational. I highly recommend this book, the author/artist, and company.


Book information:
Publisher: Sagest Press
Date: March 2023
ISBN: 978-1-949587-04-3
LCCN: 2022951449
Price: $70.00 + shipping and handling
9.5"x12" hardcover and 60 color illustrations
For more information, visit: chukesartbooks

Carl Freedman Gallery

Selected works from Identity Theft are featured in the YouTube video series directed and produced by Badir McCleary

Chukes will be featured in a new docuseries titled Switching Lanes soon. This series also features Hip-Hop legends, Pete Rock and Easy Mo Bee, and Hip-Hop fashion icon, April Walker.

YouTube video, Hands of Clay by Chukes

A film on YouTube by Eric Minh Swenson featuring Chukes