Spotlight Artist

Marlon Tobias

South
Artist profile photo

We G’on Go ‘Head and Put Something on the Grill

Man grilling food under a carport, wearing a cap and t-shirt, with a car in the background.

acrylic on canvas

I Wish Grandma Could See The Whole Family (Fish Fry)

People gathered on a red and green field, some grilling, others standing and talking, summer attire.

acrylic and oil pastel on canvas

Featured in New American Paintings1 / 2

Artist Statement

 I am a visual storyteller capturing the intricate tales woven into the fabric of my subjects’ daily lives. Rooted in the principles of painting and drawing, my work is a tapestry shaped by the often overlooked narratives of the communities to which I belong. A native of New York, with a lineage that blends Southern and Jamaican heritage, I draw inspiration from the historical intricacies and layered complexities of the African diaspora.

My practice is ethnographical, weaving together elements from vintage family photographs, personal snapshots, audio recordings, oral histories, and collected artifacts. This meticulous approach grants a genuine and intimate glimpse into the lives of those who have molded the cultures and traditions of my community.

Exploring themes of Black rural southern traditions, the interplay between spirituality, religion, place, domesticity, and the nuanced dynamics within families and communities, my work aims to resonate as a profound reflection of our shared human experience.

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