“An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times”
-Nina Simone

A Reflection of the Times, site-specific installation at Bakehouse Art Complex, Wynwood, Florida, in partnership with Commissioner, New World School of the Arts, and Bakehouse Art Complex.

Image depicts a long exterior wall painted black and blue, it displays dozens of names painted in white lettering. The names are arranged in rows across the side of the building, resembling a memorial.

In February 2016, a succession of gun-related homicides in Miami-Dade County resulted in the deaths of several young individuals, underscoring the persistent and systemic nature of gun violence in the region. In response to these events,

VantaBlack initiated a series of memorial portraits intended to both commemorate the victims and interrogate the social conditions that perpetuate such violence. Categorized by the artist as Social Commentary Art, the series originated with five portraits and has since evolved into an extensive body of work comprising more than two hundred pieces, each serving as a visual archive that preserves personal narratives while illuminating broader communal loss. This work has expanded to included Community-focused workshops, public art, site specific installations, and partnerships with non profit organizations.

Say Their Names Mural, 2020, Located at Bakehouse Art Complex, 561 NW 32nd St, Miami, FL 33127

Video Presentation created by Oolite Arts in recognition of VantaBlack as the inaugural winner of the 2020 Social Justice Award, created to honor visual artists who have made a commitment to working for equality in their daily lives and in their artistic practice.

Tavarus Moss 16 10/17/2016
Tavarus Moss was shot while on his way to school, in the area of NW 183rd Street and 47th Avenue, just before 8 am. He later died at the hospital. — Tavarus Moss 16 10/17/2016 Tavarus Moss was shot while on his way to school, in the area of NW 183rd Street and 47th Avenue, just before 8 am. He later died at the hospital.

Jason T. Lee 23
9/23/2011 — Jason T. Lee 23 9/23/2011

Jessula Goulbourne 21

Killed 4/12/2015

Jessula was shot and killed in the area of NW 207th Street and NW 39th Avenue in Miami Dade County. She was shot in the face with a shotgun and left for dead. Her shooter, an ex boyfriend, was apprehended afte — Jessula Goulbourne 21 Killed 4/12/2015 Jessula was shot and killed in the area of NW 207th Street and NW 39th Avenue in Miami Dade County. She was shot in the face with a shotgun and left for dead. Her shooter, an ex boyfriend, was apprehended after being on the run for two months. He was charged with second degree murder.

Chassidy Saunders 6

Killed 1/16/2021

Chassidy was attending a birthday party in the area of NW 6th Place and 55th Street in Miami, Florida. Someone opened fire at approximately 7pm, Chassidy was one of three people shot. She later succumbed to her — Chassidy Saunders 6 Killed 1/16/2021 Chassidy was attending a birthday party in the area of NW 6th Place and 55th Street in Miami, Florida. Someone opened fire at approximately 7pm, Chassidy was one of three people shot. She later succumbed to her injuries.

Gabriel Floyd Hubbert 45

Killed 2/21/2026

On Friday, February 21, 2026, at around 6:30 pm, Gabriel Floyd Hubbert was found shot several times outside his home in Miami Gardens, Florida. He later died at the hospital. A suspect who is accused of com — Gabriel Floyd Hubbert 45 Killed 2/21/2026 On Friday, February 21, 2026, at around 6:30 pm, Gabriel Floyd Hubbert was found shot several times outside his home in Miami Gardens, Florida. He later died at the hospital. A suspect who is accused of commiting another murder in North Miami, has been indentified and arrested. Gabriel was a husband, a father of six, and a worship leader at his church.