TIFTON – Caleb Jamel Brown, an Atlanta native and Valdosta State University (VSU) graduate, recently presented his art exhibit, “Growing Pains,” at Plough Gallery.

Brown’s work symbolizes the attempt of self-discovery as a black person in system of oppression and glass ceilings.

According to the artist statement, “Growing Pains is an attempt at self-discovery in an environment structured for your demise. Black people are systematically oppressed, misinformed, and killed by a system working to make blacks less than human.”

Brown grew up as the youngest of four children and the only son. His mother owned a group home for teenage girls and his father was a plumber. Brown credits working with his parents at a young age for giving him a duality in character that is essential to his personality and work.

He touches on his experience of working with his father in the piece, “Breaking Generational Curses.” The artwork is made from a plastic bucket filled with dirt and a shovel sticking out from the dirt.

“One of the first jobs I was able to do with him [Brown’s father] was dig holes,’ said Brown. “It didn’t take as much skill as it did physical labor.

Now, Brown is a plumber on top of being a visual artist. The skills he learned working with his father have proven beneficial for Brown because he can support himself financially while still pursuing his passion in art.

Brown uses paintings as journal entries for experiences he has had in life. One of Brown’s journal entries were displayed in “Growing Pains.” The piece was called “DIY Space (368 Ponce).”

After graduating from VSU, Brown moved back to Atlanta where he spent over a year working at Ponce 368, a workspace for artists to work in a judgment free atmosphere and an inclusive environment. It didn’t take Brown long to rise through the ranks of the staff and eventually become the curator at the DIY space.

Brown remembers the envy people would give him when they heard that he worked at 368 Ponce. According to Brown, his excitement for working there diminished over time.

The living conditions for the staff at 368 Ponce were poor. Black mold infested the building space and the artists shared their home with a colony of rats. Brown’s living arrangement left him ill many times and it has taken time to rejuvenate his health since leaving.

The hardships and beautiful memories are all captured in Brown’s painting/journal entry. Brown enjoyed the camaraderie of 368 Ponce and the inclusiveness of this project space during his time there but didn’t miss the burdens after leaving.

After numerous residencies all over the globe, Brown has had the chance to learn more about himself and other ways to create art. He has been an artist in residence in north Georgia, Argentina, Poland and Portugal.

“Traveling to different countries provided me the space and opportunity to meet different directors and artists from all over the world,” said Brown. “Keeping in contact with the people I met has helped me learn more and make progress.”

Brown is currently involved with MINT, an Atlanta-based art gallery and arts organization.