Life's a Beach by William in Oak Park

Artist Biography William is best known for figurative oil and mixed media paintings. His figurative paintings are a magnifying glass on the importance and impact of Black culture. William’s abstract work primarily consists of found objects, texturized canvas and brilliant color.  He draws inspiration from artists Rauschenberg, Duchamp and Wiley.  He describes them as Afro-American folk art.  William uses concepts in both abstract and figurative pieces to inspire the connection of artist, critic and audience. William was born 07/14/1990 in Detroit,MI. While attending Martin Luther King High School. He received the J.P Morgan “Chase the Dream” scholarship to the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.  The training he received there coupled with tutelage in the Arts League of Michigan Young Artists program would lead him to pursue a degree in studio art. While in undergrad William graced the cover of "Kentucky Rivers" Magazine 2014.He also earned a BFA cum laude from Kentucky State University. His first work of public art “Rise from the ashes” 2017 was completed in less than 24hrs for Enjoy Detroit’s golden brush artist event. William’s second mural “Ancestors Guide” unveiled in 2017 at Oak Grove AME Church in Detroit. He created Art is Life, LLC as well as the William Mandela Fine Arts Gallery in 2017. In 2018 William served as the cover artist for Howie Bells cult classic comedy special, "What Happened To The World". William received an honorable mention in the Gilda Snownden Memorial Exhibition 2022. In 2023 William was named best in show at Hatch 17,Hatch Art: Gallery. William currently resides in metro Detroit. He is a middle school educator at Old Redford Academy Middle School and freelance artist.