Biographical Brief
February 20, 2011: Web submission by Mutope J. Johnson
Biographical:
Native of Milwaukee
Career Dates: 1997 to present
Current body of work can be
described as figurative compositions primarily created using the color
indigo and serves as a manifestation of the Social Realism tradition,
which blossomed during the New York, Harlem Renaissance period 1920’s
and early 1930’s, and forms an intersection with today’s
African-American contemporary art scene. The term Social Realism
painting is sometimes meant to include the more general renderings of
American life usually categorized as cultural scene painting,
which may or may not manifest socially critical comment. “ Through my
work, I try to demonstrate that I have a true understanding of fine art
and how it can be used to create works of art that speak to the human
condition. Capturing the tone of that condition is what inspires me to
paint.”
Is a part of the Guitar Town project in Waukesha, Wisconsin. See: http://www.waukeshaguitartown.com/artists/
Education:
BFA degree, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Work Experience:
His broad experience includes
more than 25 years in the Marketing and Design Communications industry,
professional roles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Senior Art director
and Creative Director positions while concurrently painting
professionally for more than ten years as a fine artist.
Artist Organizations:
2004: exhibiting member of ABEA (African-American Artists Beginning to Educate Americans About African-American Art)
Advisory Board, University of Wisconsin Whitewater, College of Arts and Communication
Advisory Board, School Sisters of St. Francis, Alfons Gallery
Advisory Commitee, Milwaukee Artist Marketplace, Milwaukee Art Museum
Board of Directors, African-American Art Alliance (Quad A) Milwaukee Art Museum
City of Milwaukee, Arts Board– Mayoral Appointment
Exhibitions:
2005: exhibitor, The First Annual Milwaukee Artist Marketplace, Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin
“To Speculate Darkly”– Theater Gates Art Exhibition, Milwaukee Art Museum Community Liason