About

Born in 1988, James Wilson is a figurative artist born and based in Seattle, Washington. Creating portraits with the use of color allows him the challenge of depicting his character or subjects in a way where he can evoke emotions from his audience all while making his own statement. His creative art style explores race, gender, and identity where his subjects are intentional, straightforward, and strongly emotive.

Wilson's work is inspired by social imbalance of American history and society. Black men, and women who are not only affected by general barriers, but who also have internalized specific behaviors to fit within the social constructs of what defines black masculinity. For too long, black masculinity has been portrayed by aggression or violence, but in the works, the black subjects are allowed to challenge preconceptions where these young black figures can re-identify their black presence. Defying structural neglects and racial barriers, black masculinity reinforces and strengthens a community to protect and maintain an appearance free of vulnerabilities. Wilson uses younger black figures as the subjects because they inspire hope and change that we so desperately need. Each painting allows the opportunity to break stereotypes that were created to generalize and attack the black identity. His work unveils a calm state of existing all while surrounded by the vast social and economic inequalities that persist in a divided America.