Jerrell Gibbs, a Baltimore-based painter, delves into family memories to explore the origins of his own life, capturing intimate and joyous moments in his art. His figurative portraits affirm the multi-layered experience of the African-American diaspora, inviting viewers into an immersive realm of his childhood. Influenced by his upbringing in Baltimore, Gibbs's work reflects his perspectives on socio-economics, body politics, race, and economic disparities, intertwining them with empathy and spiritual connection. Graduating with an MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art, Gibbs's life-size paintings are adapted from small Polaroids, breathing life into banal representations of black identity. His art has been exhibited at prestigious venues and is held in the permanent collection of the Columbus Museum of Art, making him a celebrated artist in the contemporary art scene.
In this installment, we reveal:
Jerrell Gibbs, a Baltimore-based artist, discusses his creative process and the inspiration behind his work. He explains how he uses photographs from his family's photo albums as references for his paintings, capturing the essence of everyday life. Gibbs emphasizes the importance of appreciating and celebrating the stories and experiences of ordinary people. He also reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on his work and the need to dig deeper for inspiration during challenging times.
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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.
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