"Here it is, the terrible graffiti covering our walls," Thomas pointed to the work.
This wasn't graffiti. I recognized the image spray painted in great detail across the brick walls adorning their patio. This was Into Bondage, a painting by Aaron Douglass. A Harlem Renaissance staple. His artwork covered my grandparents home. I suppose I'm not looking for some kids terrorizing these people. Someone has a point to make.
"Do you know what this is," I ask Thomas.
"It's an eye sore, muted colors, no real line work. This is vandalism," he launches into a tirade.
"How well do you know about Black art Thomas," an honest question.
"I know plenty."
"But you didn't recognize this is a replica of Aaron Douglass' work? One of the most famous artists from the Harlem Rennisance?"
"How would I know that," suddenly Thomas is less flamboyant and more angry.
"I mean you put an art gallery in a Black neighborhood. You should know a little about Black art."
"Are you calling me a racist," Thomas asks the million dollar question.
"No, I'm just saying it's important to recognize the culture of the neighborhood you're moving into. You're a guest here, you should learn about the place."
"Will you find the perpetrator or not," Thomas has had enough of me.
"Yeah, $1000 deposit for the case and $100 per day that I work on it. You'll get reports of what I did each day."
"That is outrageous."
"You're selling a fake can of shit for a quarter million dollars in there. You can afford it. So do you want me or not?"
"Fine, I'll have a check for you inside."
"Great, I need to take some photographs."
