Kumasi Barnett paints over comic book covers redefining classic narratives into explorations of U.S. racial tensions. His most prolific work transforms the Amazing Spider Man into the Amazing Black Man. Swapping Spider Man’s leotard for a hoodie and jeans, Barnett creates a provocative commentary on the experience of black youth in America. This transformation is especially brutal because of the original Spider Man’s fraught relationship with the police.
In 2019 Barnett posted one of his most provocative transformations “Nigger #5 (Gray Suite Version) to Instagram. This post was NOT flagged by the algorithm, in fact Barnett received a notification to monetize the image and advertise it. With an important show at the NY Armory coming up, Barnett decided to give “monetizing” a shot.
The advertisement was rejected immediately notifying Barnett that his post didn’t meet community guidelines. Barnett was shocked, especially because Instagram had courted him. Barnett let the experience roll off his back not wanting to fight Instagram to take his money. The experience however left Barnett feeling like his voice had been edited. This experience is mirrored in many artists who don’t wish to fight, yet feel treated unfairly.
Not only Body Politics are at risk under Instagram’s policies. Social media has a powerful roll in changing our narrative on language. Does Instagram allow us to have conversations around important racial language or by blanket banning certain words is it impossible to even have a dialogue.
IMAGE CREDIT: All Images Courtesy The Artist, Kumasi Barnett