Artist Statement
Embedded Files
JustRo is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work confronts the complex interplay between personal identity, culture, and the weaponization of history. His practice is deeply informed by a personal journey of navigating the "phantom wounds" of inherited historical trauma, a theme he explores through a unique combination of allegorical painting, documentary portraiture, and storytelling through digital and print media.
By weaving intimate psychological narratives with sharp sociological commentary, JustRo's work captures the feeling of living in a world where one's reflection is deliberately blurred. JustRo's art argues that the act of creating is an act of resistance, and that mending the fractured narratives of the past is essential for building a more honest future.
Education:
(DASH) Design and Architecture Senior High School 2002
(MICA) Maryland Institute College of Art 2020
Solo Exhibits:
2002:
○ Selected Works, NSU Museum of art Ft Lauderdale, Ft Lauderdale Fl
○ Scholastic Show Art Institute of Ft Lauderdale, Mark k. Wheeler Gallery, Ft
Lauderdale Fl
2004: “Athletes For Charity” Portrait Exhibit, Slate Gallery, NY New York
2005: “Athletes For Charity” Art Show, Slate Gallery, NY New York
2006: Moon Lit Mondays Live Painting Exhibit, African Diaspora Historical Center, Tallahassee, Fl
2007:
○ Live Art Exhibit, JH Gallery, Atlanta GA
○ Live Art Exhibit, Halo Gallery, Atlanta GA
2014: Children Medical Center Live Painting Exhibit, Hill House Gallery, Washington DC
2016:
○ The IVY Live Painting, Vida Penthouse, Washington DC
○ The IVY Live Painting, Cathedral Gallery, Washington DC
2017: Electric Peak Art Exhibit, EPAC Art Center, YellowStone National Park
2018: Portraits For the Culture Exhibit, Elizabeth Gallery, Washington Dc
2020:
○ ICON Talks + NFLPA Awards Portrait Exhibit, SLS Hotel, Miami Fl
○ Protest Virtual Exhibit, Washington DC
○ New Leaders Virtual Exhibit, Rabin Gallery, Washington DC
○ 4TC showcase Virtual Exhibit, Washington DC
○ Portraits for the Culture Art Exhibit, Brookland Art Space Gallery, Washington DC
○ Portraits for the Culture Art Exhibit, Modern on M Gallery, Washington DC
2021:
○ The Culture Installation, Ember Gallery, Orlando FL
○ BIG! Installation, Union Market, Washington DC
○ ICON Talks Awards Portrait Exhibit, National Film Associations, Washington DC
○ “Walk a Mile in My Retros”, The Gift Shop Gallery, Washington DC
○ “Lucid” Contemporary Art Exhibit, Sole-wash Gallery, Washington DC
2022: MLK Tribute Portrait Showcase, Tanger Center, Oxon Hill Md
Group Shows:
2024:
● Quid Nunc Gallery Baltimore MD, “An Ode to Freddy Gray”
2025:
● Quid Nunc Gallery Baltimore MD, “Afro Futurism”
Public Art:
2019: Overtown Youth Center Mural, Miami Fl
2020: “Hyattsville” Mural, Crittenden Crossing, Washington DC
2021:
○ BIG! Temporary Outdoor Sculptures, Union Market, Washington DC
○ “Walk a Mile in My Retros”, Haytt hotels, Baltimore MD
2022: “AYEYA”, Ayeya Headquarters Accra, Ghana
2023: “Walk a Mile In My Retros” National Museum of African American History and Culture
Residencies:
2019: 202 Creates multidisciplinary residency, Washington DC
2022-2024: Bloomberg Philanthropies + Washington DC, Artist in Residence
Fellowships:
2024: Aspen Ideas Fellow
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