Genesis Williams, a proficient artist from Conyers, Georgia has gained recognition for acrylic and oil paintings, as well as graphic design. Self-taught and currently refining her craft at Georgia College and State University and will graduate in May 2024. Williams exhibits an unwavering passion for African American art and has grown a love for educating others on Black history. Advancing in portraiture, she has refined the capturing of the essence of Black Americans. Her love for graphic design emerged at a young age and she aims to continue this journey. Williams also has recently developed an interest in ceramic and pottery craftsmanship, using her talents in painting and drawing to create sculptures.
Furthermore, Genesis will be returning to Georgia College & State University with her master’s in management information systems. She intends to pursue a career that incorporates graphic art and technology.
ARTIST STATEMENT
In my artwork, I explore African American imagery and the experience of Black people. My paintings evoke emotions, depicting Black people with sorrowful and impassioned expressions. I aim to visually and conceptually encapsulate the profound narratives and stories embedded in Black history. Through evocative imagery, I seek to convey the pain inherent in their stories.
In my collages, I intend to portray the significance of spirituals for enslaved individuals. Each brushstroke serves as a visual hymn, capturing the essence of faith, hope, and the yearning for freedom that permeated through the struggles in history. Through my art, I aspire to honor the cultural legacy of African Americans who used music as a powerful form of resistance and expression.
project statement
For my project, I created a collage of historical hymn notes and songs on 12×16 wooden panels. I used oil paint to produce portrait images of African Americans on top of the collage of hymns and songs. I then produced several portrait images on canvases to depict the pain or anger Black Americans felt during history.
Furthermore, I obtained 3 24×36 canvases to create one big artwork. Within those 3 canvases, I used oil paint and fabric. I added fabric to include more texture and to portray in a conceptual way, the length of slavery.
