Deanio X's work revolves around the theme of water, which he considers to be the central element of his creative process. By harnessing the destructive and constructive properties of water, he employs it on various mediums such as chalk, paints, and more, resulting in organic and fluid pieces. Deanio's exhibitions are driven by his unwavering belief in the transformative power of art, and he stands as a living testament to its influence. Previously working a zero hour contract at a bar, he has now transitioned into a full-time artist, dedicating himself to his craft.
His latest exhibition titled "The Heart of War," curated by Adeja Sterling at Palo Gallery, delves into the concealed history of the Harlem Hellfighters — a Black war regiment that fought during both World War I and World War II. Deanio draws significant inspiration from the memoir of Horace Pippin, a soldier in World War I who later emerged as a prominent painter, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of these unsung heroes.
In our conversation, Deanio schooled us on the prevalence of anti-Blackness in the United Kingdom, the Eurocentric bias in historical narratives and the Enlightenment Period.
