My work is deeply based on personal and world-wide current events, specifically the struggles of East New York, Brooklyn, where I grew up in the 1970s-1980s. By layering the paint on the canvas I am also layering the experience of what I saw there: tragedy, loss, confusion, hope, prayer, fantasy, and survival. My work channels and pays respect to my tribal West Indian heritage crossed with the urban blight of New York City.

In my opinion, “Basketball” represents the main thing that can still bring a sense of community to East New York. I grew up there at a time when community
centers were really big – they were a place where all the kids in the neighborhood could get together indoors and, rain or shine, showcase their skills to one another. Some centers even taught gymnastics. Now, there are no longer as many community centers, but kids still play on the basketball courts outside.

- Steven Cogle