Through Gabardine, David A. Gaines Explores Black Masculinity, Mental Health, and Art

David A. Gaines, a multifaceted poet, actor, filmmaker, and writer, pushes the boundaries of artistic expression with his new project Gabardine, blending poetry, film, and performance to dive deep into Black shame, joy, and faith, masculinity, mental health, and spirituality. As the new year begins, Gaines, who has already earned accolades for his previous works, embarks on an innovative journey supported by the Independence Public Media Fund and Philadelphia’s Cultural Treasures grants. Gabardine—based on his forthcoming poetry collection CECIL Cecil, named after the red soils of the Carolinas where his family’s roots lie—invites audiences to explore the intersections of healing, identity, and the complexities of Black manhood.

The project is a dynamic fusion of live poetry performance and video projection, evolving into a short film. Gabardine is as much an emotional experience as it is an artistic one. "The work examines performing out of love rather than seeking love through performance," Gaines explained. Through the use of these mediums, Gaines crafts a narrative that explores inner child healing, challenging traditional notions of Black masculinity, and reconnecting with one's true authentic self and spiritual essence. He approaches this work not just as a poet, but as a storyteller who blends his diverse creative disciplines to create a cohesive vision.

At the heart of Gabardine is Gaines’s philosophy that poetry is the essence of all art and that writing, film, and acting are not separate entities but interwoven languages used to express that essence threads that together shape his artistic lens. “Poetry informs my films, and acting enhances my understanding of storytelling. All these elements work in harmony,” he noted. This interconnectedness is central to his approach, as each medium complements and enriches the others.

The inspiration behind Gabardine stems from Gaines’s lived experiences. "It’s part of my exploration of Black masculinity, mental health, and spirituality. My upbringing in a church family significantly influences my artistic lens, and this project reflects themes of reconnection and survival healing," he said. Growing up in Philadelphia’s West Oak Lane and Mount Airy neighborhoods while being socialized in South Philadelphia, Gaines was shaped by his church-owning, lower-middle-class family. Later, moving to the suburbs further expanded his perspective as he navigated diverse social and economic landscapes.

Gaines’s artistic journey began at a young age. By age 10, he was drafting plays to act out with his friends, and editing and creating AMVs (Anime Music Videos) of his favorite Japanese cartoons, such as Naruto and Fooly Cooly, to publish on YouTube. This early passion for creative writing and video editing led him to study English and film at Penn State, where he began competing in poetry competitions and later, creating poetry films. After college, he competed in film poetry contests and self-published his poetry collection, Soft Boy, in 2020. That same year, Gaines earned the title of Montgomery County Poet Laureate, a recognition that underscored his talent and dedication to the craft.

His poem-film Fine China, which used his grandmother’s china cabinet as a metaphor for Black masculinity, won the Best Video Jury Award at the 2020 International Poetry Film Festival of Thuringia. This success later became his work sample for the BlackStar Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab, where he developed his debut narrative short film, The Freedom to Fall Apart. Premiering at the 2023 BlackStar Film Festival, the film challenged many myths around Blackness but paid close attention to Black mental health and class dynamics. “That project was a cathartic exploration of imposter syndrome and the challenges of navigating demanding diverse environments as a Black man,” he reflected.

Scheduled as a three-night performance starting February 14 at Icebox Project Space in the Crane Arts Building in Fishtown, Gabardine will later transition into a short film. Directed by Brooke O’Harra and Elijah Crawford of Ugly Art Films, and presented by The Painted Bride Art Center, the project exemplifies Gaines’s dedication to authenticity. “The key is staying true to the story and allowing it to evolve naturally. Authenticity is paramount,” he emphasized.

When asked about his hopes for Gabardine, Gaines highlighted its purpose as a means of community building and support connection and healing. “This project is a labor of love. It’s designed to evoke emotion—whether positive or challenging—but never indifference,” he stated.

As Gabardine approaches its debut, Gaines’s innovative work continues to resonate with audiences, offering profound insights into identity, growth, healing, and artistic expression. Through this transformative project, Gaines invites all to reflect on the power of art to heal, connect, and transcend.