DeMarcus Smith | Roses for the Blues
April 10 - May 2, 2026
April 10 - May 2, 2026
Artist Statement
What began as a cathartic response to grief, depression, and isolation evolved into an artistic celebration of influence, inspiration, and love. DeMarcus was moved to create this work after enduring a trifecta of personal challenges: a painful breakup, the loss of his home of 20 years, and the heartbreak of losing friends and family during the global pandemic. As a nod to Picasso, who once painted almost exclusively in blue while struggling with depression, DeMarcus turned to a monochromatic palette as an emotional outlet—but instead of succumbing to the sorrow, he transformed it into beauty.
The resulting work is a series of 16x20” monochromatic pointillist portraits—depicting a muse who helped him keep creating during times when the world seems to stop. This collection honors their unique influence and offers them their metaphorical “flowers.”
To complement the visual storytelling of the Pointraits, the exhibition features floral installations that explore the relationship between life and death. Arrangements will juxtapose traditional roses (that wilt within days) with “eternity roses”(designed to last at least a year). These symbolize the importance of recognizing and honoring people while they are still here.
This collection is a living tribute to inspiration, and a reminder that from pain, beauty can emerge. It invites viewers to reflect on their own sources of strength, creativity, and gratitude. It also seeks to elevate under recognized individuals who make the world more beautiful simply by being in it. Ultimately, this exhibition is for anyone who has ever needed a reason to keep going—and found one in the people around them.
DeMarcus Smith
ROSES for the BLUES
www.marcmaking.com
What began as a cathartic response to grief, depression, and isolation evolved into an artistic celebration of influence, inspiration, and love. DeMarcus was moved to create this work after enduring a trifecta of personal challenges: a painful breakup, the loss of his home of 20 years, and the heartbreak of losing friends and family during the global pandemic. As a nod to Picasso, who once painted almost exclusively in blue while struggling with depression, DeMarcus turned to a monochromatic palette as an emotional outlet—but instead of succumbing to the sorrow, he transformed it into beauty.
The resulting work is a series of 16x20” monochromatic pointillist portraits—depicting a muse who helped him keep creating during times when the world seems to stop. This collection honors their unique influence and offers them their metaphorical “flowers.”
To complement the visual storytelling of the Pointraits, the exhibition features floral installations that explore the relationship between life and death. Arrangements will juxtapose traditional roses (that wilt within days) with “eternity roses”(designed to last at least a year). These symbolize the importance of recognizing and honoring people while they are still here.
This collection is a living tribute to inspiration, and a reminder that from pain, beauty can emerge. It invites viewers to reflect on their own sources of strength, creativity, and gratitude. It also seeks to elevate under recognized individuals who make the world more beautiful simply by being in it. Ultimately, this exhibition is for anyone who has ever needed a reason to keep going—and found one in the people around them.
DeMarcus Smith
ROSES for the BLUES
www.marcmaking.com
Artist Bio
DeMarcus, a native of Flint, MI, found his interest in visual art while studying Graphic Design at Mott Community College; he then finished his academic career at the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication.
His take on an already unique painting technique inspired by a particularly famous Pointillism piece, “A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte,” by Georges Seurat creates a different engagement for an audience, as the image itself transforms based on the distance from the canvas. The stippling/dot technique gives each painting its own rhythm, its own flow. Smith takes a flat, blank canvas and brings it to life with all the energy and vivacity that inspired the vision behind it. DeMarcus seeks to spread an appreciation of art through his visual storytelling “one dot at a time.”
DeMarcus, a native of Flint, MI, found his interest in visual art while studying Graphic Design at Mott Community College; he then finished his academic career at the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication.
His take on an already unique painting technique inspired by a particularly famous Pointillism piece, “A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte,” by Georges Seurat creates a different engagement for an audience, as the image itself transforms based on the distance from the canvas. The stippling/dot technique gives each painting its own rhythm, its own flow. Smith takes a flat, blank canvas and brings it to life with all the energy and vivacity that inspired the vision behind it. DeMarcus seeks to spread an appreciation of art through his visual storytelling “one dot at a time.”
DeMarcus Smith | Roses for the Blues
Inventory
Inventory
- Jamiersen, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- K.B. (Kellen Brandon), acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Breann White, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Dr. Fahamu Pecou, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Phil Simpson, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Quinta Brunson, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Oshun Williams, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- David Arnold, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Toby Nwigwe, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Fat Nwigwe, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Nathan Spratt, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Hebru Brantley, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Harold Green, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Rick Williams, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Yolanda Williams, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Virgil Abloh, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Mom, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- aMina, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Oaklin Mixon, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- BJ, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Rochelle, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Aaron Mos, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Judy Bowman, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Mario Moore, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Tony Whlgn, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Yesterdaynite (Alim Smith), acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Str8bnochasa, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Curren$y, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Sheefy, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Lemonious, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- JC. Ro, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- CJ Hendry, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Brittany Mitchell, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Momma SOL, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Seydehwon, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Paul Everett, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Ed Watkins, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Carlos Connor, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- Sgt. Joe Levelston, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
- John Dempsey, acrylic on canvas board, 20” x 16”, NFS
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Buckham Gallery is funded by the following organizations:
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Generous support is provided by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
This program is sponsored by the Greater Flint Arts Council Share Art Genesee Grant Program made possible by the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Millage funds. Your tax dollars are at work!
This program is sponsored by the Greater Flint Arts Council Share Art Genesee Grant Program made possible by the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Millage funds. Your tax dollars are at work!
