Artist Bio:
Ernest Shaw's work defines the duality of the African American experience, exhibiting this dichotomy through an array of media and concepts. The most prevalent aspect of the artist’s work is his use and understanding of color and the figure. The figure in his work is a continuation of a rich history of African and African American figurative art, and his use of color demonstrates a deep level of understanding of rhythm taught to him by several West African drum instructors. Artist Ernest Shaw, Jr. was born and has lived most of his life in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Shaw comes from a family of visual and performing artists. As a youngster growing up in West Baltimore, there was never an absence of influence or inspiration thanks to the support and encouragement of his parents. He appreciates them all the more, as he recognizes that it is not easy to raise a child artist. Ernest is a product of Baltimore City Public Schools, where he graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts—and where he currently teaches. He continued his education with a B.A. in Art from Morgan State University and an M.F.A. from Howard University in Washington, D.C. In addition to teaching in Baltimore City, he is also an adjunct professor at The Maryland Institute College of Art.
Artist Statement:
Being a native of West Baltimore—Edmondson Village to be exact—I can say that my experiences have fueled my passion and creative process for image-making. The images I create are inspired by my upbringing and education. I attempt to create work that combats negative, degrading, denigrating and stereotypical images that falsely depict African people throughout the diaspora. My mission and purpose is to illustrate the beauty of being an African in America to raise the level of consciousness of peoples of color, while providing others with a fuller scope of the Black experience. I’ve painted several murals mostly throughout the city of Baltimore, and their subjects reflect the values of those communities. I strive to produce culturally relevant and culturally responsive art. Art is for the people—it's not truly art until it is deemed so by an audience. My desire is to continue to create meaningful art that can leave a lasting impact on all communities.
