Markeith Woods

Lives and works in Atlanta, GA, USA

Artist statement

Markeith Woods exhumes the underlying tension of the Black psyche in his colorful portraits of everyday life in America. Focusing on the lives of the modern Black man in the United States, his body of work paints the people Woods has encountered throughout his life, sharing their common experiences and struggles that reveal a common thread within the psychology of Black America. Within his often-pensive figures, a set of stories unfolds. From everyone’s journey to the pervasive systemic injustice along the lines of race, and the perseverance of the black community as they take their future and identity into their own hands. Within the silent stoic nature of his portraits is power. These portals into the minds and spirits of his subjects begin with Woods’ manipulations of the viscous nature of acrylics and now oil paints, he creates intuitive blends of color. They layer into bold and vivid palettes that bring new life to his scenes, veiled beauty of the everyday that exists hidden in plain sight. Woods toys with the complexities of his compositions both heightening the focus on his subjects while, conversely, at times meticulously adding environments and details that add layers to the stories of his subjects. As he gives everyone a chance to be seen, heard, and valued by manifesting their stories on a new, wide-reaching platform, his work seeks to undo the evolution of false narratives that continue to oppress the Black communities of America today. With each new iteration,...

Artwork