Quartet by Leroy Campbell – October Gallery

I am a self-taught artist reared by two cities rich in African American culture. I was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and raised in New York City.

My work is an extension of my roots & takes a critical view of social, political and cultural issues of the African American life. Though many of my subjects are depicted living out their daily routine, my focus is on the celebration of the human spirit, and the pursuit of the American dreams.

I am inspired, first and foremost by my experiences and what I see. But I am also moved by the images of the South depicted by Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence’s capture of the history and struggle of African Americans. It was after viewing Bearden’s work in 1987 that I began incorporating a three dimensional element which gave me the ability to create rawness and tension on a two dimensional medium.

Today I use a variety of materials to enhance the intensity of my artistic expression My most recent work, The Newspaper Series, features historical news print as its most dominant feature, and serves as a time capsule that details the perseverance and the intense, unwavering strength of African American people. Fusing the newspaper articles in to my work evokes an unexpected range of emotions.

My life is rewarded by creating art. The process takes me on an edifying voyage that is both healing and empowering. My work will always advocate unity & diversity, and my hope is that it also educates.