ANON ARTIST ISSUE 2

GUMBO SAMPSON

anon H I G H L I G H T I N G A R T I S T & C R E AT I V E S

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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY THROUGH ART

In the wake of the unprecedented rise in white nationalism and the outright attack on o u r d e m o c r a c y, i t i s i m p o r t a n t t o h o n o r t h o s e who have sought to bring equality and d i v e r s i t y t o o u r s o c i e t y. A r t i s o n e o f t h e purest forms of expression, a wordless medium that reaches the hearts and minds of observers more directly than any speech ever could. In remembrance of those who sacrificed everything for our right to express o u r s e l v e s f r e e l y, w e h a v e a s s e m b l e d t h i s collection of art for Black History Month.

- La’Sandra King O’Reilly

Painting by J a c l a y v i o u s

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BLACK CREATIVES Artists Anonymous at its very core is a b o u t e q u a l i t y. I t i s a b o u t g i v i n g recognition and respect to all creatives, big and small. The foundation of this community has struggled with inclusivity for a long time, and the time has come for us to band together and fight for the opportunity for everyone to succeed.

We a r e d e l i g h t e d t o s h a r e t h i s collection of works from black creatives in the Chattahoochee Va l l e y a n d t o h o n o r Black History Month. Not only will we celebrate black lives this month, but every month. we thank you for supporting the artists of this community and helping them gain a v o i c e . We a r e m a k i n g n o i s e ; w e a r e creating change.

Berkley Martin-Lynn

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Painting by S i d n e y T h o m a s

ARTIST ANONYMOUS With the lack of morality that exi s t s i n o u r s o c i e t y, t h i s i s a m o v e m e n t that acts for the people. This is not a definitive collection of individuals taking action. This movement allows individuals, big or small, to showcase their most passionate creations. This is a movement that creates influence and opportunity among our c o m m u n i t y. We d o n o t a n d w i l l n o t cater to any one class of individual. This movement is meant to unify and educate the community on what creators and potentials exist among them, and provide a platform for those unable to gain traction alone.

We c a n a l s o p r o v i d e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r long-time creators to blossom further i n t h e i r c o m m u n i t y.

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Painting by S i d n e y T h o m a s & S a n d r a Ki n g

FOUNDERS B e r k l e y M a r t i n - Ly n n i s a s e l f - t a u g h t F i n e A r t Ph o t o g r a p h e r a n d M u l t i m e d i a A r t i s t . H e r most common photo subjects are that of nature, as she feels drawn to the wondrous amount of organisms on this planet that so often are overlooked. She, along with fellow Ph o t o g r a p h e r S a m m i e S a x o n , a r e t h e founders of Artists Anonymous. The goal behind creating a platform such as Artists Anonymous was simply to unify all levels of talent and all mediums of art while accepting donations to put back into the surrounding community of the C h a t t a h o o c h e e Va l l e y. O v e r a l l , s h e h o p e s to see the community presence within the a r t s c o n t i n u e t o g r o w, a s w e a l l n e e d a n d love to support one another on our creative endeavors.

S a m m i e S a x o n “ A s I g r e w o l d e r, I b e g a n t o realize the importance of my culture and the significance of Columbus’ impact on my personality and art. I grew up surrounded by family of artist. Creativity and progression have always existed here just like in every other small town, but new and upcoming artist have lacked outlets to display their work. With my friend and c o l l e a g u e , B e r k l y M a r t i n - Ly n n , w e d e c i d e d to start an art group that gave back to the c i t y. I t n o t o n l y g i v e s n e w a r t i s t s a n expense-free platform and location to exhibit their work without judgment, it also provides charitable donations that go t o l o c a l p r o g r a m s s u c h a s To y s f o r To t s a n d The Urban League of Columbus.”

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Painting by D a v i d Ki n g

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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B. ROBERT MOORE

GUMBO SAMPSON JACLAYVIOUS CAEVIN HINTON CHRIS HOOD DARIUS PRATHER HOWARD WILLIS MICHA E.C. BUCKLEY ISAIAH PURCELL NIQO SAMA

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ARTIST TO FOLLOW

B.ROBERT MOORE Self-Taught Multidisciplinary Contemporary Artist - Independent

HARVESTING HUMANITY Projected humanity in rural America

Inspired by many national and global protests demanding reform in policy and government to address the racial and civil injustices against humanity, specifically Black American citizens in America. Motivated by the various voices fighting human rights, Robert curated a small media crew, composing imagery of black icons of the past, beautiful black children from rural Red/Conservative states of the future and unarmed black Americans murdered at the hands of the police of the present. Robert, growing up in a conservative/Red state in the middle of Rural America and continuously exposed to racism “harvested” in these rural areas, was drawn to the idea that presenting a silent protest in the heart of America had profound symbolism and ultimately, messaging to those disconnected from crimes and disparities of black and minority Americans. With no tone of excuse or defense of racism, Robert believes the theory that humans are afraid or fear the unknown. This silent demonstration shines a spotlight on humanity, through the personal lens of the black lives matter movement, specifically personal to Robert and those in rural America. Rural America - where black injustices are not understood; where crimes against black humanity may be ignored; for those who have never experienced mental or physical pain due to the mere color of their skin yet may view blacks as stereotypical savages or victims, we are not. We are Americans, standing 80 feet tall in the middle of America, asking, DO YOU SEE US ?

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GUMBO SAMPSON Filmer | Photographer | Photojournalist | Writer

“My name is Brandon, I professionally go by Gumbo Sampson when doing visuals and Gumbosa when I’m doing music. I’m from Columbus, Ga, born and raised. I’m 29 years o l d a s I w r i t e t h i s a n d I ’ v e b e e n d o i n g p h o t o g r a p h y / v i d e o g r a p h y f o r 5 y e a r s n o w.

I ’ m a b o u t c o m m u n i t y. I b e l i e v e w e ’ r e s t r o n g e r t o g e t h e r w h e n w e u n d e r s t a n d o n e a n o t h e r. I e n c o u r a g e e v e r y o n e t o f i n d t h e m s e l v e s , e v e n i f i t ’s s o m e t h i n g s m a l l . N o change is insignificant, love yourself and believe in truth. Not the truth that you m a k e u p , b u t t h e t r u t h t h a t y o u k e e p w i t h y o u e v e r y d a y. T h e t r u t h t h a t c a n m a k e y o u l a u g h a n d c r y. T h a t ’s w h e r e I b e l i e v e b e a u t y i s . T h a t ’s w h a t I b e l i e v e i s i n a l l o f u s . ”

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JACLAYVIOUS Painter

“I’m Jaclayvious Emmanuel. I’m 27 years. I’ve been making art for a long time like baby years 4 and 5. Drawing anime and and making stuff from cardboard.

H a h a . I n m y e a r l y t e e n s u p u n t i l n o w. I b e e n w r i t i n g g r a f f i t i . T h e n a r o u n d 1 7 o r 1 8 I s t a r t e d m a k i n g d i f f e r e n t a r t s t u f f l i k e t h e p a i n t i n g s I h a v e n o w. U m m I d o n ’ t k n o w. I l o v e a r t .

I find inspiration in many things in life. I Love different cultures and customs. Oh I also love animation and the act of animating things. I’ve tried lots of different art mediums but I mainly use oil, acrylic, markers. Umm yea. So t h a t ’s m e I g u e s s . I d o n ’ t k n o w. ”

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CAEVIN HINTON Filmer | Photographer | Photojournalist | Writer

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CHRIS HOOD

“Chris, 28, I make photographs and dabble with graphic design sometimes.”

“I grew up a Columbus native. My mother, a Filipino immigrant, met my father, a black American during his naval deployment overseas. Growing older and realizing the disparity of children raised in broken households, I found myself lucky that my parents stuck together throughout the 90’s to keep our family together . In school, I was always quiet and never fit in well. Growing up biracial I’ve never felt that I fit in fully with any of my parent’s races, so I usually kept to myself and observed others.

The girl I was dating in college always carried a tiny Kodak point and shoot camera in her tote everywhere we went. I think I searched everywhere for my mother’s old Nikon point and shoot so we could go out on adventures and shoot photos for fun. We’d go back to my house and just compare and talk about what photos we liked, what we were thinking when we took the shot, little things like that. It was our own special language we ind ulged in. It’s typically the medium I best communicate broadly and found comfort with.

We’re living in unprecedented times, amongst a pandemic and high racial tensions. Being treated equally shouldn’t ever be up for debate. Systemic racism exists, and although the racist laws and policies from generations old have come and gone, it’s lasting effects has caused lasting damage for the Black community.

No person should ever be crucif ied for wanting to be treated fairly. My hope for a bright future is one where there is mutual understanding and empathy for one another regardless of anything that makes each person unique.”

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DARIUS P R AT H E R Photographer | Graphic Designer

Originally from Warm Springs, Georgia, Darius created the brand “FotoLogik” during college at Columbus State in 2009 - he began his earlier experiences as a freelance nightlife photographer, specializing in event captures.

Darius considered himself a “starving artist”, doing gigs and entertainment appearances as there weren’t many outlets to monetize on his passion at the time. His love of photography was ultimately inspired by editorial photography and photojournalism. At age 24, Prather rented a studio space in 2011 and began to flourish creatively as he had his own creative medium at his fingertips.

Darius is often inspired by political events and grassroot movements - in 2011, Prather created a photojournalism project dedicated to unveiling corruption in the financial district called “Occupy Columbus GA”. Ten years later, Prather still lives and breathes photography - but uses his platform to create messages through imagery that’ll resonate from a cultural-representation aspect. When Darius is not behind the lens he is often alongside his wife, assisting in non profit diversity initiatives, rallying for political causes and creating needed outlets and dialogues for black creatives in the city.

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HOWARD WILLIS Painter

Howard C. Willis JR. has always had a fascination of light and color since an early age. Born in Richmond Virgina to Dr. Sandra T. Willis and Dr. Howard C Willis Sr., Howard’s exposure to travel at an early age informs his artwork. His interest lies in Multiculturalism, and the use of this inspiration to inform his work. He is fascinated by the human figure, and uses the people around him as well as the people who inspire him in hi s paintings. He primarily paints in oils, but has experience in watercolor, acrylic paint, and Chinese ink. He has done two study abroad programs, one in Japan for inkwell drawing, and one in Hong King for an art residency program with Tonglau space. He is currently finishing his studies at Columbus State University with a masters in art education degree. Has has shown works in Columbus Georgia, Hong Kong and Japan. Currently he works as an elementary art teacher.

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MICHA Painter

“ I a m a 40 ye ar o l d si n gl e M om m a, I’ve been drawing and painting s i nc e I was a te e n an d i t i s m y passion and m y first love. When ask e d w ha t I wan te d to b e wh e n I grow up m y answer was always the sam e , an Artist.”

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artan d beau t y by m i c h a

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E.C. BUCKLEY Photographer | Painter

E . C . ’s w o r k o f t e n c e n t e r s o n t h e m e s o f g e n d e r a n d i d e n t i t y.

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ec.buckley

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“ Each piece in this series are collages made of paintings and excerpts from my personal journals layered with elements of my own face then combined and edited to look like one piece. The work was originally created as digital collages, but reditied with painterly strokes to obscure some elements--mostly for privacy reasons . The elements used in the pieces are from journals created 2016-2018 from some of my lowest periods mentally. Utilizing these private elements for public works was done as an act of catharsis, to free myself of the troubling thoughts and emotions I used to have and the actions I would do to cope with them.”

- E.C.

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ISAIAH PURCELL Photographer | Graphic Designer

“ I s t arte d p h o to grap h y about 2 years ago and ever since then it ha s be e n a creative outlet for m e.”

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NIQO SAMA Photographer | Graphic Designer

D o m in i qu e “Ni q o S ama” Lum pkins is an artist based out of Columb us, Geo rg i a . By way o f acryl i c paintings Niqo began painting in 2018 a s a se l f t a ug ht arti st. Mo st kn o w n for his bright, colorful and distinct work s. N i q o Sa m a s t ate s h i s w o rks are i nspired by life and the lessons that com e fr o m i t . B y t aki n g th o se me ssages and ideas, then allowing his intuition t o e x p res s t hem, h e cre ate s h i s best works. T he success of his first even t i n l a t e 2 0 1 9 led to mo re sh o w i n gs and opportunities throughout Colum bus. Si nce t he i ni t i al su cce ss, Ni q o co ntinues to create and currently has art o n d i sp la y a t He ri tage Art C e n te r (Colum bus GA), 10/10: Vintage Clothing St o r e ( A t la nt a G a) , VNU: Hai r S al on & B arbershop (Colum bus GA). Niqo Sama a l so runs a own cl o th i n g b ran d , Nothing New, using his art and designs. If yo u a s k hi m w h at’s h i s go al as an artist, he’ll tell you it’s all about conne ct i ng p eo pl e o f al l w al ks o f l i fe via uniqueness and creativity. Find out mo r e abo u t the artist at NiqoSam a.com .

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SAMMIE SAXON Photographer | Graphic Designer

“I teamed up with makeup artist ALI for this series, which was inspired by Blaxploitation. I felt it was necessary to refocus on the this historical part of black culture as it mirrors the new attention brought on by the harrowing events of 2020.”

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- Creative Director Jessica Nicole

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ARTIST ANONYMOUS To b e a p a r t o f o u r u p c o m i n g projects, donations, or ideas please contact us at on instagram @anonartistgroup

Painting by La’Sandra King O’Reilly

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