2 of me by Qedar in Silver Spring

Ismael Qedar Oates Artist Statement My name is Ismael Qedar Oates and I am an artist based out of the DMV area by the way of Silver Spring, Maryland . I have been seriously pursuing art since having a spiritual awakening at the age of 10. Much of my artistic and educational journey has been spent in the Montgomery county public school system. My artwork has been showcased in downtown Silver Spring, featured with "Arts On The Block," and displayed at my alma mater, Montgomery Blair High School. Following my high school graduation in 2014, I chose to further my education at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design in Washington, DC. During my time at Corcoran I served as a Lab technician, a Sam Gilliam scholarship recipient and I earned a sophomore excellence award. By 2016, I obtained an associate's degree before transitioning to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York on a Presidential Scholarship. This is where I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and received Magna Cum Laude honors in May, 2019. Post-graduation, I began working at various jobs within the realm of fine arts such as a Visitor Services Associate at the Smithsonian Institute/Hershonon and as a Retail Associate/Key Holder at the Plaza Art Materials store both located in Washington, DC. All while remaining dedicated to my craft and continuing to refine my artistic skills. I currently work as a Guest Services Associate at the Phillips Collection located in Washington D.C. Known as the First Museum of modern art within the United States, I am informed about monumental works as part of art history. This position allows me to bring change and inspiration to the general public. I have collaborated and hosted solo exhibition events in and around the metropolitan DC area. Such as personal pop-ups in downtown Washington D.C, and personal exhibits hosted by HOMME. All of my experiences have encouraged me to make space for something of my own. IQ Art by Ismael Qedar was created to cultivate community, bring change, and showcase art that is reflective of Black American culture while also taking unprecedented strides into the future. I have endured many challenges in life which has brought me closer to myself and other lovers of art with means to free the minds of our communities.