Faculty Artists

Texas Southern University

Jamal Cyrus | Bio

Houston-based artist Jamal Cyrus produces revisionist approaches to American history in his work through appropriation and reinterpretation of charged political paraphernalia and cultural objects. He focuses on the formulation of Black identity through political and cultural movements, such as the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s and the Black Power movement of the 1970s, and its consequent appropriation by mainstream culture. In his 2D, 3D, an time based work, Cyrus creates his own alternative accounts of Black history, causing the viewer to acknowledge the subjectivity of interpreting past events. He has had solo exhibitions in Texas and New York and participated in group exhibitions nationally and internationally.

Leamon Green | Artist Statement

Although the artwork fits into the category of painting, speaking accurately

it is an amalgamation of traditional painting, drawing, printmaking, and

collage processes. Content is derived from reflecting on similarities and

differences in cultures. Specifically the imagery reflects the complicated

definition of being African American in an increasingly global community.

The figures are anonymous portraits of characters or types, who could be

family members, either yours or mine. There are clues to identities, patterns

viewed in the clothing or the surrounding space, historical African or European

objects, all placed in ways that support the figures. For myself one’s identity is

an accumulation of cultures one meets both directly and indirectly.

Jesse Sifuentes | Artist Statement

Dr. Biggers once stated that the artist has a responsibility to the public.

As a “documentor” of the affairs of the community there are some thing

that can not be ignored and should be address in verse or in visual statements.

Public or private work includes images in an asthetic form to address these issues.

Deon Robinson | Artist Statement

Picasso once stated that, “Art is the lie, which makes us realize truth.” I like to

believe that my works are in accord with this sensibility. As a fine artist, I enjoy

creating objects and paintings that can express visually, what my language cannot

express verbally. As an illustrator, my drawings and paintings are primarily concerned with bringing clarity. Whether designing an instruction manual, or communicating visual narratives, I am most content creating illusions that facilitate the understanding of others, who like me, enjoy seeing pictures.

Alvia Wardlaw | Artist Statement

“I had heard the song Knysna Blue many times by the South African singer

Abdullah Ibrahim, and I have always appreciated it for its haunting melody.

It was not until I traveled to South Africa that I could fully appreciate the

song for its equally haunting lyrics. He sings of the resilience of his people

and the beauty of Cape Town. Through photography such beauty and struglgle

can be shared. I want my photographs to take you on your own journey.”