OMARI JESSE
Christenberry Fellow
Dei and Jameil, 37” x 32”
Neo
Pass My Eyes, 20” x 30”
Smartrip
The Carry Out, 30” x 40”
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Omari Jesse is a mixed-media artist based in Washington DC. A social observer, Jesse captures nuanced portraits that sheds a sentimental light on strangers, friends, family members and lovers. His work also explores the intersection of race and urban life through intimate compositions that intertwine deeply personal and cultural experiences. Rendered in vibrant hues, Jesse’s goal is to create paintings that confront traditional notions of gender and race in portraiture. He aims to highlight black life uninhibited by controversy or conflict. Disconnecting ideas of violence and trauma from black existence allows Jesse to platform black life liberated from the burdens of racial stereotypes, allowing his figures to be represented in a state of comfort, joy and freedom.”