Cojones

2014-2019

Cojones transforms Janette Beckman’s 1986 publicity photograph of Slick Rick into an inquiry into courage, influence, and self-definition. Knowledge Bennett replaces the rapper’s likeness with figures from politics, art, music, film, and activism, while retaining the original posture as a constant framework.

Large-scale silkscreen portraits emerge against hand-painted gold or silver grounds. The relationship between figure and metallic field draws together devotional imagery, luxury, aspiration, and public authority. Repetition becomes a means of examining who is granted visibility and cultural permanence.

The title names the nerve required to claim a vision and remain unapologetically present. Rooted in hip-hop’s visual language, Cojones presents cultural confidence and creative authorship as forms of power. The suit becomes armor. Posture becomes declaration. Image becomes an instrument of self-definition.