Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Michael Warren.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was self-taught. In fact, my first formal instruction in art didn’t come until college. My love for art began from watching cartoons and reading comics at a young age. I knew early on that I wanted to be an artist, so I began copying what I saw. Later on, I was introduced to the Art Institute of Chicago, where my fascination for art grew exponentially. At that point, no one could convince me to be anything but an artist. I attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago, IL (my hometown). During my senior year, I was unanimously accepted to study at the Florence Academy of Art’s intensive drawing program, in Florence, Italy. The program introduced me to the techniques of the old masters of previous centuries, and it helped refine my skills as an artist. I received my BFA in 2009. Over the last ten years, it was an uphill battle trying to establish myself as an artist. The goal has always been to create full time, and over time, I’ve been very fortunate to meet key individuals and be a part of some pretty interesting exhibitions that have led me to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Since transitioning to Los Angeles, I’ve been introduced to some incredible people that have helped me and my art career, and they continue to do so today. Although I have no representation from a gallery, I’ve been blessed with opportunities that have advanced my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Please tell us about your art.
I find inspiration in anything: film, nature, novels, history, other artists; an idea for a narrative work of art can hit me at any given time.
The focal point of my work is to tell a story and to represent the underrepresented. As a black man, I’m a lover of my culture, our history, and our stories (past and present), but they don’t receive the recognition that they should. My work brings attention to people and events that are often overlooked, or completely unacknowledged in history books and institutions. From unknown parts of history to contemporary topics, my work is used as a means to educate, ignite thought-provoking conversations about societal issues that plague us as a collective people.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I would say the biggest quality that’s essential to the success of an artist and their work is “authenticity.”
In a time where a lot of mimicking and commercialism is oversaturating the art world, having work that is sincere and authentic is terribly needed. It’s what stands the test of time, and it outlives trends.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Currently, my work can be seen in a few places.
-I recently completed a 10-painting series for The Abrahamic Center for Cultural Education in Chicago, IL. The series is a collection of sites and narratives from the Quran. The paintings are permanently installed in the Center’s gallery.
-My narrative painting entitled, “In a Promised Land” can be viewed at 21c Museum in Louisville, KY. The painting is a part of their permanent collection.
-Over a year ago, I completed a mural of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (commissioned by Branded Arts & Covered California) at Charles Drew University in Los Angeles, Ca. The mural is a permanent installation.
-Currently, I’m developing a new permanent mural of the late Dr. Maya Angelou at the Dr. Maya Angelou High School in South LA, which will be installed in May 2019.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shawnmichaelwarren.com
- Email: swarrenmedia@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warrenart
- Other: https://www.saatchiart.com/warrenart
Image Credit:
Chris Canon Photography
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