Meet Marcus Wilson, the visual artist highlighting people of color
The self taught artist has found his purpose.
Beauty has always been in the eye of the beholder, but in a society where certain images are forced upon us daily, there are some forms of beauty that simply don't receive the same shine. The role of the black visual artist becomes even more important in these climates, and artists like Marcus Wilson wear this responsibility like a badge of honor. The painter's love for all of God's creations is evident in his work, and he tends to highlight characteristics that are often overlooked by the masses. He firmly believes that his unique style will result in the growth of his brand as more people began to join the wave. We can't front, we believe it too.
1. Where are you from? Did you have an artistic upbringing or end up discovering things on your own?
I was born in D.C., but grew up along the East coast and Houston so as a kid my family and I definitely moved around a lot. For the most part I discovered I had a talent for art on my own. My artistic upbringing was really me just watching my older brother draw and copying him, because I wanted to do everything he did as a younger sibling. It wasn’t until later on in high school I wanted to do more with my drawings and got into painting.
2. What type of message do you wish to leave with people when they look at your work?
I want to bring attention to beauty that’s not deemed as main stream; like the different shades of melanin, freckles, albinism and many more. I want to leave the viewer with a new perspective on life and drive to inspire change.
3. As a self taught artist, what's one real life moment that inspired you to create?
I draw my inspiration from a lot of different things in life. One recent event that inspired me to create was Spike Lee’s reboot of “She’s Gotta Have It” and the amazing art work displayed in the film created by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh. Her art work inspired me to go harder in my work and become a better artist.
4. What role do you believe the artist has in society?
I believe artists have an important role in society, which is to bring life, joy, and provoke new ways of thinking in the world. Art is a way of life and it's all around us; if there was no art nothing would be unique. In a way artist are historians because they portray what’s going on in the world around them…so to wrap it up there is definitely a need for artists in society!
5. What's on the horizon for you? Where do you see your talent taking you in the future?
Man, I see my talent taking me as far as God is willing. I see my brand (Marc Will Art)growing, so that everyone can have a piece in their homes from all over the world. I want my art to be featured in Galleries, movies, and the streets as well. So I look forward to the future as I develop as an artist.Check out more black visual artist content here