(Detail from “Three Wolves”)

Shaunte Gates is a contemporary artist who lives and works in Washington, D.C. His works, which juxtapose fantastical elements with pictures of harsh realities, have been featured in various exhibitions and group shows throughout the country.

My work illustrates collisions of reality and fantasy, presenting the viewer with surreal scenes. Within these scenes I present the ramifications of the influences possessed by a myriad of political, economic and religious structures on society as a whole and individually – what I call “psychological genocide”. These tactics of control are used to suppress spirituality and creativity. The implementation of fear is the main weapon and that is where I focus. Most of the figures – depictions of marionettes/puppets – and the scenes in my pieces are realistically rendered by collaging archival prints and acrylic paint (occasionally glass and string to represent obstruction and control) typically on linen and wood.

I source the majority of my ideas from a semi-conscious state; where the sub-conscious surfaces to integrate with my conscious.My work is a reflection of my understanding of facing fear and losing control. It is the fusing of this understanding and the two states of consciousness that form the basis of my surrealistic depictions.

In 2007, a piece that Gates produced to commemorate Howard University’s 140th anniversary was unveiled by former UN Ambassador and current United States National Security Advisor, Susan Rice.

(“Three Wolves”)

(“Le Spectacle I” & “Le Spectacle II”)

(“This is Not a Test”)

(“Bullseye”)

(“Bullseye” – detail)