Bringing humanity to the forefront of a divided World
People Not Things is a traveling art exhibit and philosophy created by artist and peace activist, Genesis Be.
“My art liberates the EGO from the prison of identity” - G.Be
The statement “People Not Things” is a world centric ethos that prioritizes the human spirit as opposed to divisive labels. We believe that every person is a complex human being worthy of dignity, first and foremost. We seek to identify the barriers that prevent us from spiritual alignment and keep us from connecting with our fellow humans.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE OF PEOPLE NOT THINGS HERE
The paintings are represented from a two dimensional vantage point of the jinn (extraterrestrials) observing humanity. The jinn are unable to see the differences we often see in each other. Rather, they observe human interaction in relation to the barriers that we’ve become blind to, due to normalized modes of division.
The artist’s poetry offers another dimension of understanding of the themes presented in the paintings. The audience is challenged to examine their own role as consumer, producer and perpetuator of division. Be’s signature “barrier strokes” can be seen in each painting either dominating the piece or concentrated in the corner.
“I paint barriers to help me visualize the man-made or self-imposed blocks that keep me from connecting with my fellow humans”. - Genesis Be
Out Now!
People Not Things: Love Poems & Paintings for Humanity. Now available on Barnes & Nobles and Amazon. Release Date 11-14-2023
Leap Of Faith
The Amorous Tribe
The Lonely Collective
The Watchers
Sky Cry
White Barriers
Black Barriers
ABOUT GENESIS BE
Genesis Be is a critically acclaimed poet, peace activist and artist from Biloxi, Mississippi. Her work spans 20 years and has been featured in The Associated Press, New York Times, NY Daily News and VICE. She often uses theatrical protest during her live performances to bring attention to both global and localized issues surrounding racial justice, peace movement, queer visibility and gender equity. She creates original paintings, poetry and music under her ever growing collection, People Not Things. She is the subject of the documentary "Mississippi Turning" (unreleased) and continues the fight to improve race relations in her home state Mississippi. She founded Strive Till I Rise in 2010 to help empower and motivate Mississippi youth to exercise their voting, consumer and creative power.
Artist Statement
"My goal... to bring human dignity to the forefront of our divided World. To advocate for compassion, vulnerability and the burning need for freedom. Every word is born from unapologetic love, permission to be all of me and every painting is a nod to my inner child. With all her simplicity and complexity, I make space for the entire World. I believe in the good of humanity with all my heart though she has broken it many times. Consider this my small contribution, to move the unmovable, to tell the truth through hands clasped over ears, to nudge out what little space I can so that the next lover may thrive. People Not Things forever and ever."
- Genesis Be
