James Wilson III (b. 1988)

James Wilson is a self-taught figurative artist born and based in Seattle, Washington. Encouraged by his older sisters, Wilson developed an interest in art early in his childhood. As his art evolved into a passion and a way of expression, so did his choice in mediums. He uses mainly but is not limited to acrylic and oil on canvas. 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 art style is exploring race, gender, and identity where he tends to create paintings of sociopolitical issues faced in present America. Using vivid and lifelike imagery, Wilson’s fascination with recreating objects and individuals to engage what defines masculinity and ideals of identity in the role of a black individual. His distinctive figures are intentional, simple, and strongly emotive. He uses perspective from imagination to represent his figures in a way that viewers can feel as if they can relate or identify with the artwork.

Artist Statement

“Calm In the Presence of Madness” is a series of works that reflects social imbalance. Black men, who are not only affected by general barriers, but who also have internalized specific behaviors to fit within the social constructs of black masculinity. For too long, black masculinity has been portrayed by aggression or violence, but my black subjects in my paintings allow the viewers 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. I use young black boys as my subjects because they inspire hope and change. Each painting allows me the opportunity to break stereotypes that were created to generalize and attack the black identity. This collection of work unveils a calm state of existing all while surrounded by the vast social and economic inequalities that persist in a divided America.

Works...