Devin Troy Strother Exhibits 'B M W (A Black Man’s Wish)'

American artist Devin Troy Strother unveiled his new exhibition, "B M W (A Black Man’s Wish)", at Ruttkowski;68 in Cologne, Germany, this week. The show features a collection of new paintings and mixed-media works that delve into themes of fantasy, ambition, and access, utilizing the BMW automobile as a central metaphor for a bygone era of status symbols. Strother's artistic practice is characterized by its ironic, introspective, and provocative nature, often deconstructing social codes and subverting racial stereotypes with critical sincerity and humor.

The exhibition's title is inspired by a quote from the film "Paid in Full": "BMW stands for Black Man’s Wish, because I wish I had one." This sentiment underscores Strother's exploration of the cultural significance attached to the German automaker, examining its evolving meanings in relation to ambition, fantasy, and success in both collective and personal contexts. The show references the aspirational culture of 1980s Harlem, where owning a BMW signified achievement, and also incorporates the artist's personal connection to his 2012 BMW 328i station wagon, highlighting the shift from a prominent status symbol to a more mundane, domestic object.

Through these works, Strother initiates broader discussions about desire, class, race, and the narratives projected onto material possessions. The exhibition also draws connections to art historical and contemporary figures, with titles referencing artists such as Philip Guston, Tal R., Eddie Martinez, Emil Nolde, and Max Ernst, positioning Strother within a larger artistic canon. The exhibition at Ruttkowski;68 in Cologne provides a platform for these multifaceted explorations, inviting viewers to reconsider the dreams and aspirations associated with material objects.