ARTISTS BIOS:
Al Burts -
Al Burts -
This body of work is inspired by religious themes and, “the beauty of Americans whose roots are African.” My signature style is a singular, monochrome figure drawn with a careful, undulating line. Despite my stylistic consistency, my figures range from the homeless to the anonymous figures of the Metro to, perhaps, the largely-forgotten figures of baseball’s Negro Leagues. The ambiguous titles blur society’s complex hierarchy that places importance on one’s identity as it concerns their family, profession, or wealth.
Buchi Upjohn –
Buchi Upjohn Aghaji, expresses his art through a variety of media including oil, watercolor, acrylic on canvas, burlap, paper, metal and wood and sculpture. Aghaji utilizes the graphic techniques he acquired while studying visual communications at the University of Nigeria to introduce diversity of media to his work. His work assumes a semi-abstract quality yet possessing a vibrant flair that makes you take notice of the rhythms in his paintings. Truly a gifted artist, Upjohn continues to reach his audience with an art communication spoken with freshness and strength. The feelings evoked by his work can be exhilarating. No one can unleash such use of color without being in touch with his creator. What you feel only shows the power of his work and the touch he received. Aghaji believes that one’s artistic creations cannot be separated from his experiences; therefore he reaches deep into his cultural and spiritual experiences to come up with images that engage the viewer. Adding this to his international travels, his works project a unique and captivating quality.
Floyd Atkins –Floyd Atkins lives and works in Chicago. He has been painting, drawing, and using various forms of mixed media for many years. Floyd is a former Art educator in the Chicago Public School system where he proudly brought the creative process to our youth. A graduate of Clark University with a Degree in Fine Art, Floyd studied under the renowned artist John Riddle. He also studied at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the Art Institute of Chicago, where he lectured on Art History in the early eighties. His work has been purchased by various city government agencies, as well as private collectors such as Master Collector, Paul Jones. Floyd is published in a “How to Book” by the Chinese Government for their students to study. He was nominated for the 2003 Joan Mitchell’s Painters and Sculptors Grant. In 2004, Floyd was one of eleven artist from the United States invited to the 8th annual Summer Summit in Poetovio, Slovenia.
Floyd Atkins –Floyd Atkins lives and works in Chicago. He has been painting, drawing, and using various forms of mixed media for many years. Floyd is a former Art educator in the Chicago Public School system where he proudly brought the creative process to our youth. A graduate of Clark University with a Degree in Fine Art, Floyd studied under the renowned artist John Riddle. He also studied at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the Art Institute of Chicago, where he lectured on Art History in the early eighties. His work has been purchased by various city government agencies, as well as private collectors such as Master Collector, Paul Jones. Floyd is published in a “How to Book” by the Chinese Government for their students to study. He was nominated for the 2003 Joan Mitchell’s Painters and Sculptors Grant. In 2004, Floyd was one of eleven artist from the United States invited to the 8th annual Summer Summit in Poetovio, Slovenia.
Dayo Laoye -
Born in Ede,Osun State Nigeria (3rd Feb.1959) Dayo was raised in Yoruba tradition."My mother,a school teacher, moved to Ibadan where my father was stationed.” It was in the City of Ibadan,where the first Television Station in Africa is,that will influence his career."The TV and watercolor box were my baby-sitter. I drew what I’ve seen including dancers,men in combat and cartoons.Drawing from my grandparent's photos also, were early influence".
He studied at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos and Howard University in Washington DC.This institutions will mold him towards his professional career."At Yaba,the methodology of the visual arts were formed,while Howard instilled in me the theory of art and ' the Dr. Alain Locke legacy' ". Professionally," I have been influenced by many,including, Prof Yussuf Grillo,Kolade Oshinowo,Prof Lois Mailou Jones,Dr. Samella Lewis, Degas, Cezanne, Wifredo Lam, John Biggers, Dr. David Driskell, Skunder Boghasian Dr. Dele Jegede & Henry O. Tanner.” He practices in Chicago.
Kevin Okeith –
Born Kevin Okeith Corley is an Atlanta based painter from Chicago who is known for his distinctive impressionistic paintings. Described as one of the most promising artists to emerge in the 21st Century. His pre-eminent works are large figures, eyes closed, executed with a pallet knife into multi-faceted original paintings.
For him, music and art are inextricably linked. Having played the trumpet when he was young, these two creative disciplines influence not only his life, but also his oil and acrylic paintings. He works only when inspired and the impetus always comes from life and music.
