“What is Beauty?” Melanin and Light

Beaumont native, Co-owner and Editor-in-Chief of 2LOUD Magazine, Corey Haynes, debuted his collection, Melanin and Light, Friday, April 9, 2021 at The Prime Art Gallery in Houston, Texas. In 2001, Haynes began designing a clothing label which led to his desire to expand his graphic design skills. Haynes then enrolled in a color theory course at Lamar University. His professors quickly noticed his innate talent and encouraged him to enroll full-time. While attending Lamar University, Haynes increased his artistic abilities by delving in various mediums, such as wood sculpting, ceramics, painting, and photography. 

Haynes’ latest collection, Melanin and Light, was introduced as an evolution of his work. The quote “Your beauty will be in shades of melanin and light.,” triggered Haynes to contemplate “what is beauty” and how he could capture it in his work. According to Haynes, the artwork is a tribute to his love of glowing melanated skin tones, the subtle changes of natural light, vibrant colors, and the mysterious excitement of the night life. 

Upon entering the dimly lit main hall, several rotating starbursts illuminated the glass and resin-covered abstract acrylic paintings, creating a daring effect that emulated natural light sparkling against a body of water. Each piece was a commingling of the striking features of African American women and a brilliant use of the spectral composition of visible light. The skin tones are stripped away and replaced by bold, dramatic colors that accentuate the universally beautiful features of black women. Haynes explained, “One of the most satisfying observations I have made is that when skin tones are stripped away, people come to the realization that color really is only skin deep”.

Everyone that observed the complexities of the pieces could feel the passion and emotion that emanated from each brushstroke and each piece of glass that covered the canvases. The Melanin and Light collection nearly sold out by the conclusion of the event and was on display until April 30^th. Haynes plans to continue to exhibit his work at various galleries and art shows, as well as work on commissioned pieces.