Exhibit Description
Oil painting has given me the opportunity to tell stories about how and why I’ve become the person I am today. With each brushstroke, I recall memories and scenarios that I’ve experienced throughout my life. My work combines surrealism and naturalism, depending on the message I explore. My ideas blossom from flashbacks from my childhood memories or words that touch my soul, both positively and negatively. I create a sense of nostalgia and give a representation of Black soul for whomever interacts with my work. My art is a reminder to acknowledge my past and where I come from. As an African American, I am aware that the urge to survive when facing adversity is within my bloodline. My paintings feature cultural references in the form of symbols, patterns, and figures, that aim to motivate those who face adversity. The woman who raised me has been the best mother, teacher, role model and muse I could ever ask for. My creations are the best way I can show my gratitude for my mother’s support and motivation throughout my journey as an artist.
Artist Biography
Jalen Jackson is a visual artist whose paintings explore African American culture, collective memory, and experiences. His paintings depict flashbacks of his childhood and other memories, especially growing up as a son of a single mother. Jackson began college as a Business Management student at North Carolina A&T University. During his junior year, he signed up for a painting class and rediscovered his love for art he has fostered as an African American child growing up in Durham, NC. He received his BFA in Visual Arts from NC A&T State University in 2021 and has exhibited locally at 311 Art Gallery, Anchorlight Studios, Wake Tech, Barton College, The Fruit and Artspace. He was the Inaugural HBCU Artist in Residence at Artspace in downtown Raleigh.