Artist Statement:

As a Black artist, my practice revolves around painting, drawing, and collaging to narrate stories of empowerment and resilience. I seek to illuminate the strength of those who resist erasure and challenge dominant narratives. My work is a reflection of the unique strength found within the oppressed, exploring themes of race, history, and intersectionality.

I employ a graphic style that blends realism, minimalism, and hard-edge painting to convey my ideas. My mixed-media pieces often feature individuals within both site-specific and abstract black-and-white spaces, framed or shaped like rectangles and squares. These geometric forms symbolize segregation, defiance, and the pursuit of freedom. The black space represents Black power, while the white space signifies white supremacy.

In my current work, blue serves multiple symbolic roles: it represents the pervasive police state, the sky as a symbol of unity and the promise of equitable futures, and water as a metaphor for rebirth and renewal. Through these elements, I strive to create a dialogue about identity, resistance, and the ongoing struggle for justice.

Artist Bio:

McKinley Wallace III is a celebrated mixed-media painter and art educator based in Atlanta, Georgia, known for his innovative techniques and significant contributions to the art world. He earned both a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where he cultivated his unique artistic vision.

Wallace’s work has been prominently featured in solo exhibitions at notable national and community venues, including 3S Artspace, MICA, York College, Waller Gallery, and Creative Alliance. His participation in group shows at prestigious institutions such as Goucher College, the African American Museum of Dallas, Band of Vices, Carroll Mansion, Washington Project for the Arts, Arlington Art Center, Main Line Art Center, and Towson University underscores his wide-ranging influence within the art community.

In addition to his studio practice, Wallace is a dedicated art educator. He has imparted his knowledge and passion through lectures, workshops, and studio visits at esteemed institutions including Michigan State University, Northeastern University, and York College. These engagements highlight his commitment to advancing art education and fostering meaningful conversations within the artistic community.