Art Mediums: acrylic paint, oil paint, mixed media

DC-born Seattle-based artist AfroSPK draws inspiration from the growth and preservation of his community. His work focuses on art sustainability and creating platforms for community artists to showcase their art. Through starting the organization Crowd Control Collective and Art Vault Seattle, Afro connects creatives to the Greater Seattle art scene—creating community through collaboration. I understand it can be difficult to find support and reach your goals. My community pushed me to be active, participate, learn, and grow. The influence of community building and African American culture is present in my art. The face archetype symbolizes the person within that creates growth, which helps create opportunities for success. My goal is not to change the energy of a place but to preserve the culture that already thrives in communities of color. I want to energize and motivate communities by supporting people and their dreams and connecting artists with a supportive network that brings creatives together.

“There is a strong connection between me and the materials that I choose. When I’m using a paintbrush, it allows me to move freely while knowing there are rules to the technique. When I use oil paint, I feel like I’m painting something that will outlive me and bring value to the Black art community. Each method has its own level of intimidation. The material I use challenges me to think about the longevity of The Craft and the history of pigment. The materials affect not only how I’m going to get the job done but also how I’m perceived in the moment. Depending on what I’m using—like a paintbrush—sometimes I am received more openly compared to when I have a spray can in my hand. So for me, materials become important because, again, it also gives an opportunity to educate. Those who are bothered when I’m painting may come up and ask me why I’m doing it, and it gives me an opportunity to educate them.”

“How do we find order amidst crumbling governments, relationships, and identities? How can the turbulence, anxiety, and unrest in the world pave the way for a new sense of clarity and vision? My work explores the ways artists make sense of time, space, and society when everything seems to be shifting or falling apart. In my process, I change tools for applying my paint, going back and forth between brush, pallet knives, and even torn cardboard. I like to take breaks from my work. I may learn a new technique or have an experience that causes deep emotions I transfer back onto the canvas. I exist to share my human experience through art.”

“It’s really not that important to me if audiences understand my work. Mainly I just paint what I feel. More space should be allowed for that in the art world, especially for the black community. I sometimes feel my responsibility as an artist is just to paint what’s happening in my life and in the world. I like my work to inspire viewers to stop and contemplate what they’re looking at. I leave the audience with freedom of interpretation, but the images and colors presented to the audience invoke emotions, feelings, and thoughts. This process often leads to questions, which I encourage.”

AfroSPK

Marilyn Montúfar

Jazz Brown