Esteban Raheem Abdul Raheem Samayoa, an artist based in Oakland, reflects on his childhood, emphasizing community connections over familial ties. His upcoming exhibition "Blood Be Water" encapsulates his journey of survival and transformation, promoting a narrative that redefines family. Samayoa, a self-taught artist of Guatemalan and Mexican descent, showcases 50 artworks themed around local pride, pop culture, and personal experiences. His work features various techniques and media, including airbrush paintings and ceramics, and includes a short film that documents his creative process.
"It's my journey of survival and my transformation. It's me building connections and family through community. So I'm changing the narrative of 'blood is thicker than water.'"
"Growing up, I didn't have the most stable family, and I was alone a lot. I had a lot of free time. So I really looked toward connecting with my community and my friends more so than my family."
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