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First walking into an exhibit of Jason Flack’s art, the bright colors and bold expression are quick to grab the eye, but look a little closer messages hidden within the images become clear.

Jason Flack is a Johnson City based artist who began using art to expresses himself and share his messages to the world when his twin sister died suddenly in 2010 at the age of 26 years old.

Flack, who is as animated and descriptive as his work, described himself as a “livewire with one end severed and energy flowing to nowhere” following her death.

He then began channeling that energy into his art.

Flack comes from humble beginnings and tells the story of his parents saving the mail for him to draw and paint on as a child.

“I didn’t know as a little boy that that would be training for me later on,” Flack said.

Many of Flack’s paintings have poignant messages of cultural struggles he faced growing up as a biracial child in a predominantly white southern community.

Flack was invited to showcase his work at the Rose Center by the organization From Africa to Appalachia.

From Africa to Appalachia is an organization whose mission statement states they are dedicated to “Providing a vehicle for the expression of African American and Appalachian ethnic and cultural heritage.”

One of its main objectives is to provide a sense of community and cultural continuity. From Africa to Appalachia celebrated their 35th year being hosted by the Rose Center.

“We want the programs and activities happening at Rose Center to reflect the community we serve, and we want everyone to feel welcome and represented here,” said Rose Center director Beccy Hamm.

Flack’s “Defy The Color Gray” exhibit will be on display at the Edith Davis Gallery until the end of February.