A powerful portrait from Sedrick Huckaby's 99% series, featuring gestural lines and integrated text that capture the character of a local neighbour.

This work is part of the 99% series by Sedrick Huckaby, a collection that examines the lives and perspectives of individuals within his community. The portrait depicts a neighbour, rendered with a raw, immediate quality that suggests a direct observation of the subject. Huckaby employs a dense, gestural line quality, building the form of the figure through layers of dark, energetic marks. The subject wears a wide-brimmed hat, which casts a shadow over the upper portion of the face, drawing attention to the eyes and the beard.

The composition is notable for the inclusion of handwritten text integrated directly into the image field. These annotations provide a narrative layer, offering fragments of conversation or personal observation that accompany the visual representation. By combining the graphic quality of the sketch with the written word, the artist bridges the gap between traditional portraiture and social documentation. The background remains largely unadorned, ensuring that the focus stays on the character of the sitter and the specific, lived reality they occupy.

Huckaby, based in Texas, often focuses on the human condition through the lens of his immediate surroundings. His approach to drawing is tactile, prioritising the physical presence of the mark over polished finish. This print captures the essence of his practice, where the act of drawing becomes a method of listening and recording. The monochromatic palette emphasises the structural integrity of the face and the weight of the lines, creating a sense of gravity and presence. It is a study of identity, community, and the stories that define the people who inhabit our shared spaces.