A raw, expressive portrait by Sedrick Huckaby featuring handwritten commentary from the subject, rendered in ink and graphite.

Sedrick Huckaby is known for his focus on the human figure and the social conditions of his community. This work, part of his 99% series, captures a portrait of a man identified as DJ. The drawing employs a raw, gestural approach to mark-making, utilising layers of ink and graphite to build form and texture. The subject is depicted from the chest up, wearing a cap, with the number 1989 prominently displayed across his torso.

The composition includes handwritten text integrated into the margins, a characteristic element of Huckaby's practice that provides context and voice to his subjects. The inscription at the top reads, 'you believe in the illuminati? Man, that stuff is crazy...', while the bottom notes, 'I'm thinking about culinary school. Right now get a job at Central Market...'. These annotations bridge the gap between visual art and personal narrative, grounding the portrait in a specific moment and social reality.

Huckaby's technique involves a dense accumulation of lines, creating a sense of weight and presence. The figure's gaze is direct, engaging the viewer with a sense of immediacy. The work avoids polished finish in favour of an honest, unvarnished representation of the individual. By documenting the lives of people in his immediate environment, Huckaby creates a record of contemporary experience. The monochromatic palette emphasises the texture of the drawing, allowing the focus to remain on the subject's expression and the surrounding text. This piece offers a glimpse into the artist's ongoing dialogue with his subjects, capturing their thoughts and aspirations alongside their physical likeness.