5 Black Artists that Transcend Traditional Boundaries

*I own the rights to the photo above*

At the center of Write To The Root, is the celebration of black art, businesses, and the people nurturing progressive culture in our community.

I believe the term, “art,” encompasses a multitude of expressive creative forms, including film, literature, culinary proficiency, fashion, architecture, and music. But, today, I want to acknoweledge artists we’d typically see featured in an outing to the museum — painters, sculptors, photographers, etc.

Sadly, many people go through life without the desire to analyze and determine the bigger picture of these types of artworks. Whether a particular piece of art resonates with the viewer or not, the creators intended for them to depict a specific message, such as a personal, societal, or cultural ideology. Sometimes, their art is simply created to evoke an emotion from the audience. Though some artists do this in a more conventional manner, there are others who transcend traditional boundaries, igniting artistic growth and inspiration.

1. Kulorbandit

Kulorbandit, also known as Jerome, is a San Francisco Bay Area native heavily influenced by urban society and lifestyle, from the city environment and architecture to the people he encounters on the daily.

Growing up in the 70s and 80s, the core of his art is shaped by graffiti culture. His portraits are visually enticing, highlighting abstract geometric shapes that allow his followers to view the people of the world in the way he interprets them in his head.

2. Bart Cooper

Born and raised in Liberia, West Africa, Bart Cooper is fueled by the vibrant culture and scenery found in his homeland. After his family came to America to escape a civil war in his country, he honed his craft through his studies in graphic design and fine art.

Specializing in mixed media and acrylics, his art features color and texture and challenges preconceived notions and biases to encourage positive change.

3. Stat the Artist

Teddy Phillips (Stat the Artist,) an army brat born in Germany but mainly raised in Montgomery, Alabama, is a muralist and digital illustrator. He honors well-known heroes and everyday people, alike.

With a familial history rooted in southern culture, he says his art is simply “inspired by life.” Tying in his love of technology and community service, he merges a figure, object, or idea with a call to action to engage his audience and spotlight justice for his people.

4. Justin Copeland

With a focus on spirituality and African ancestral references, Justin Copeland from Baltimore, Maryland, creates with the intent to magnify the beauty of African descendants.

Full of color, texture, lines, and shapes, the message of self-love and mental health is hidden beneath these artistic elements in each of Copeland’s pieces.

What stands out most about his art is how grounded it is in self-exploration and authenticity, inducing intriguing and relatable storylines in the viewers’ minds.

5. B Pepper Art

Based in DC, Bri Pippens of Banana Peppers Art delves into various forms of creation through paintings, animations, cut out work, and illustrations.

Her art defines the many layers of the Black experience and showcases her personal sentiments and recollections. With a natural feminine touch, her pieces vividly portray a sense of vulnerability and confidence that is breathtakingly attractive.

Previously partnering with larger companies, such as Disney Plus, Google, and Instagram, she is effectively utilizing her talent as a trusted voice for the Black community.

Black art sparks social evolution, inspiration, and growth, and works to uplift and improve our community.

While I plan to explore and detail each of these artists and their works more in depth down the line, I hope you enjoyed learning about how these 5 creatives are leading this progressive movement.

Please dedicate the time, to not only review their work, but to share your knowledge of them with your peers and follow and support the artists via social media and by purchasing their pieces.

That’s not all, though—let’s keep this good thing going! Are there other artists (from any field) that you think we should spotlight? If so, name them in the comments!