Cooli Ras Art

Cooli Ras ArtCooli Ras ArtCooli Ras Art

Cooli Ras Art

Cooli Ras ArtCooli Ras ArtCooli Ras Art
More

Artist Statement

As an African American artist, my work centers around the exploration of culture and representation through the medium of portraiture and figurative art. I use a variety of mediums, including acrylic, oil, spray paint, and ink, to create pieces that are both visually striking and emotionally evocative.

My focus is on capturing the essence of my subjects and their cultural heritage, using bold colors and expressive brushstrokes to convey their individuality and strength. My work aims to challenge stereotypes and provide a nuanced representation of the African American experience, highlighting the diversity and complexity of our community.

Through my art, I hope to spark important conversations about representation and identity, and to give voice to those who have been historically marginalized. I believe that art has the power to educate, inspire, and bring about positive change, and I strive to create work that is both beautiful and meaningful.

I am committed to using my art as a tool for social justice and to promoting the visibility and representation of African Americans in the art world. I believe that it is essential to create and share art that reflects the diversity and richness of our culture, and I am dedicated to using my talents and skills to do just that.

Photo Gallery

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

Feb. 4th, 2023

The Art District

9pm

-

1am

Vibe Live Studio, Jacksonville, FL

Feb. 4th, 2023

The Art District

9pm

-

1am

Vibe Live Studio, Jacksonville, FL

Feb. 7th, 2023

"New Growth" Solo Exhibition by Chris Clark

FSCJ Kent Campus, Jacksonville, FL

Feb. 7th, 2023

"New Growth" Solo Exhibition by Chris Clark

FSCJ Kent Campus, Jacksonville, FL

Feb. 17th, 2023 - April 2023

Pursuit of Happiness

Arlo Hotels Art Gallery, Wynwood location, Miami, FL

Feb. 17th, 2023 - April 2023

Pursuit of Happiness

Arlo Hotels Art Gallery, Wynwood location, Miami, FL

Feb. 18th, 2023

The Free Press

5pm

-

9pm

The Jessie Ball DuPont Center, Jacksonville, FL

Feb. 18th, 2023

The Free Press

5pm

-

9pm

The Jessie Ball DuPont Center, Jacksonville, FL

March 25th, 2023

Art In The Park

12pm

-

5pm

James Weldon Johnson Park, Jacksonville, FL

March 25th, 2023

Art In The Park

12pm

-

5pm

James Weldon Johnson Park, Jacksonville, FL

More Events

CV

Christopher Clark (.b 1987, US)

Residencies

2022

The House of Sedulo Artist Residency, London

Chateau Orquevaux Artist Residency, Chateau Orquevaux, Orquevaux, Champagne-Ardenne, France


Exhibitions

Selected Group Exhibitions

2023

"AFROFANTASTIC: The Black Imaginary in Art, literature, and Technology", African American Research Library & Cultural Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL


2022

Point Comfort Art Fair 22, Historic Ward Rooming House, Miami, FL

Hero Art Project, National Mall, Washington, DC

Through Our Eyes: Female Led Legacies, Ritz Theatre and Museum, Jacksonville, FL

Super Wonderful Crazy Fun-Time Circus, Jacksonville, FL

The Hero Art Project, Big Screen Plaza, New York, NY

ArtFields 2022, The ROB, Lake City, SC

Beyond Words, Mergeculture Gallery, Tampa, FL


2021

Hero Art Project, New York Life Building, New York, NY 

The Artists Answered The Call, Ritz Theatre and Museum, Jacksonville, FL 

Black Humanity Now: A Nation Speaks, Mahogany Gallery, Racine, WI 

13th Annual Exposed Exhibition and Fundraiser, Art and Culture Center, Hollywood, FL 

Summer In Tribeca, Black Wall Street Gallery, New York, NY 

Black Love Mural Festival, 5 Points, Denver, CO 

21 Piece Salute, Black Wall Street Gallery, New York, NY 


2020

26th Carroll Harris Simms National Black Art Competition and Exhibition, African American Museum, Dallas, TX

2020 Florida Biennial, Arts and Culture Center, Hollywood, FL

In The Clouds, Mize Gallery, St. Petersburg, FL

The Nameless Now: NEFL Artists Respond, Crisp-Ellert Art Museum, St. Augustine, FL

JTA Art Show, JTA Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center, Jacksonville, FL

The Wall at College Park collaborative mural, Town and Country Shopping Center, Jacksonville, FL

2020 PINNACLE National Juried Art Competition, Florida A&M University Foster-Tanner Art Fine Arts Gallery, Tallahassee, FL


2019

Nguzo Saba: Reaffirmation Exhibition, Mahogany Gallery by Scott Terry, Kenosha, WI

Mint Condition: Everything Red + White, Mergeculture Gallery, Tampa, FL

Through Our Eyes: Journey To South Africa, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Sweater Weather, Mize Gallery, St. Petersburg, FL

First Come First Serve, Fort Works Art, Fort Worth, TX

Inaugural Exhibition, Mahogany Gallery by Scott Terry, Kenosha, WI

Real People 2019, Old Court House Arts Center, Woodstock, IL

Through Our Eyes: The Revolution Will Be Documented By The Artists, Ritz Theatre and Museum, Jacksonville, FL

SMILE, Mize Gallery, St. Petersburg, FL

Enroute, Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center and Visual Arts Gallery, Daytona Beach, FL

Breaching The Margins, Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, Grand Rapids, MI

Featured Artist, Mandela 100th Luncheon, The Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC

A Vision For Art, St. Marks Episcopal Day School, Jacksonville, FL

On The Fringe: Blurred Lines Of Florida Folk, Jax Makerspace Gallery, Jacksonville, FL

Black History Art Exhibit, Southern Exposure Gallery, Tallahassee, FL


2018

Art Beat Miami Art Exhibition, Caribbean Marketplace, Miami, FL

M.U.C.E Arts and Culture Festival “Ode to Hip Hop,” Little Haiti Cultural Complex, Miami, FL

Black Opal: The Art Experience, WJCT, Jacksonville, FL

Corks and Canvas Art Exhibition, XO Lounge, Jacksonville, FL

Juneteenth Art Expo, Bohemian Lounge, Jacksonville, FL

Ancient Roots, Mergeculture Gallery, Tampa, FL

The Black Renaissance Art Show, Studio Zsa Zsa Lapree, Jacksonville, FL

Through Our Eyes: Journey To South Africa, Ritz Theatre and Museum, Jacksonville, FL

First Things First, Karpelis Manuscript Library Museum, Jacksonville, FL

  

2017

Small Matters, Yellow House Gallery, Jacksonville, FL

Black Opal: The Art Experience, The 5 and Dime A Theatre Company, Jacksonville, FL

Resistance Pop Up Art Show, Union Street Studios, Jacksonville, FL

Black Chrysanthemum Art Show, Studio Zsa Zsa Lapree, Jacksonville, FL

Black Magic Live Art Museum, Delo Studio, Jacksonville, FL

Exhibition Of Excellence, Downtown Cigar Lounge, Jacksonville, FL


Solo Exhibtion

2023

"New Growth", FSCJ Kent Campus, Jacksonville, FL


2018

Solo Exhibition, Burrito Gallery, Jacksonville, FL


2016

Cooli Ras Art Solo Show, Downtown Cigar Lounge, Jacksonville, FL


Other

2019

Visiting Artist, James Weldon Johnson Middle School, Jacksonville, FL

Artist @ Work Panel Discussion, Jax Makerspace, Jacksonville, FL 


2018                                                             

Art Republic Global mural, Jacksonville, FL

District of Soul Mural, Northwest Jacksonville CDC, Jacksonville, FL

Mural, The Posh Factory Performing Arts Center, Jacksonville, FL

TEDx Jacksonville, Live Painter, Florida Theater, Jacksonville, FL

We Rise “Pro Peace,” Arts, and Music Festival, Jacksonville, FL

Visiting Artist, Fort Caroline Middle School, Jacksonville, FL

Art Battle One, Art Battle two, Art Battle Finals, Hotel Palms, Jacksonville, FL

Writing On The Walls, Banksy Exhibit, Jax Makerspace, Jacksonville, FL

Natural Hair & Health Expo, Featured Artist, Tallahassee, FL

 Color Me Kona “The World’s Largest Coloring Book Party” 2, Kona Skate Park, Jacksonville, FL

GIANTS TV Series, Season 2, Episodes 202 and 203


2017

Carib Freak Fest (Art Basel Miami), The Alley Wynwood, Miami, FL

Color Me Kona “The World’s Largest Coloring Book Party,” Kona Skate Park, Jacksonville, FL

Pancakes & Booze, Georgia Freight Center, Atlanta, GA

Collections

Works held in private collections in Canada, the United States, and UK.


Awards and Grants

2017 Individual Artist Grant, Community First Credit Union of Florida in the amount of $1,000. 

2018 Community Foundation Art Ventures Grant in the amount of $3,500.

2020 Black Men Walking Inc. In Arts Award. 

2021 People's Choice Award, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville 45th Annual Arts Awards. 

Instagram

Social

Contact

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Copyright © 2023 Cooli Ras ART - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy