By Request, My Epitaph is an encompassing retrospective of the last four years’ works by James J. Williams III. Focusing on the duality between a cultivated Persona and its byproduct, the Anti-Persona, ...My Epitaph exploits the inherent, rampant but necessary narcissistic tendencies of being and becoming an artist. The exhibition follows the exponential growth of the Persona and Anti-Persona and creates a self-sustaining space that mimics both a turn of the century salon and ahome. Mixed media installations and flatworks emphasize the overtones of obsessiveness, excessiveness and the development of manhood in James’ work.

Fetishizing appearance, artifact, relationships, lifestyle, possessions, and the need to create, Williams publicizes the personal in a study of class, the past’s overwhelming presence and gender.