Grief, through the phases of the moon. A first solo show in stone and sound.
OPENING NIGHT · FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2026 5-8 PM
01 · THE SHOW
Grief is something we return to.
Phases by Jose Not José explores grief through the shifting phases of the moon, translating its stages into stone, sound, light, and interactive sculpture.
Moving from shock and denial to anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, the exhibition considers grief not as a linear passage, but as something cyclical, something we move through, and carry with us.
SHOCK & DENIAL
BARGAINING
DEPRESSION
ANGER
AND AROUND AGAIN
ACCEPTANCE
02 · THE WORK
Shaped from the block.
The pieces are carved stone, including Jose's first work in black marble and alabaster.
“It was about pushing the limits with what I knew.”
He came to stone by way of a lightning rig.
03 · THE ARTIST
Jose Not José is a sculptor and musician based in Roanoke. He started in youth poetry and Chicago's After School Matters program, where a paid stint in the darkroom led to his first exhibition.
At 17 he was doing staging and lighting for a music tour in Europe. In Italy he met the sculptor Usama Alnassar, who became his teacher. He had never drawn or painted. "Came through for a class, and then I fell in love with it."
He has been carving for about seven years. Phases is his first solo show.
04 · THE MUSIC
Sculpture and sound.
Jose is a musician as well as a sculptor, and his music is part of the show. His last album was recorded with a live band in one room and him in the other. For Phases he is doing as much as he can on his own.
05 · VISIT
OPENING NIGHT
Friday, November 6, 2026 5–8 PM
Art Project Roanoke
101 Campbell Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA
Free and open to everyone
Through November 29
By appointment or during open studio hours
When
Where
Cost
On view
Jose will be there.
