Do You See Me Now or Shall I Become Greater?,
2025
In Do You See Me Now or Shall I Become Greater?, Raheem depicts himself and his father through a silhouette filled with elements drawn from personal memory - references to his mother, angels, Tupac, jewelry, and his recurring dog motif. These images form a constellation of influences that have shaped the artist’s sense of self. The work acknowledges how identity is built through familial, cultural, and emotional inheritances. Rather than offering a definitive narrative, it reflects on how these influences accumulate across time. The size of this edition is 20×24".
VAT included / excl. shipping.
Artwork is printed edge-to-edge. No white borders or framing are included.
Esteban Raheem Abdul Raheem Samayoa (b. 1994, Sacramento, CA) is a Mexican-Guatemalan artist based in Oakland, CA, whose practice is a profound exploration of cultural heritage, identity, and transformation. Working across charcoal, painting, ceramics, and installation, Samayoa’s work captures intimate moments of nostalgia and resilience, drawing from personal and communal histories. His mastery of black and white charcoal drawings serves as the foundation of his practice, rendering evocative scenes that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant. Beyond monochrome, he embraces vibrant color and rich textures, incorporating materials like burlap, plaster, and soil—elements that pay homage to his Guatemalan roots and the tactile nature of memory.
Samayoa’s work extends beyond self-reflection; it is a means of forging connections. By channeling personal experiences into visual storytelling, he creates spaces for dialogue, healing, and collective understanding. His art is not just a testament to his own journey but an invitation for others to see themselves within it—a celebration of community, transformation, and the enduring power of self-expression.
