Jaraz Jenkins
Politics as usual

April 28 - May 20, 2023

Oil on canvas

Artist Statement

While some people are entertained by spectacle, others continue to suffer in Real Life. "Politics as Usual" is a collection of paintings I made during the COVID-19 Pandemic. During the pandemic, I got the chance to sit down and watch the news uninterrupted for the first time in a while. Observing social media and watching TV, I quickly realized that there is a stark contrast in the way American people view politics. This work is an attempt to offer the viewer a fun but serious perspective lesser known to the masses: "Real Perspective". This "Real Perspective" is the point of view of authentic people from the bottom who don't feel included in our American policies. Politics and politicians should be taken seriously, but the media makes it hard to do so. 

— Jaraz Jenkins

Biography

Jaraz Jenkins is a professional artist from Richmond, VA. Art has been a part of Jaraz's life for a long time. As a child, he would draw pictures to escape the harsh reality of poverty and systematic racism. Through grade school, Jaraz did well in art classes and quickly realized that painting was his greatest strength. As a young man, he never thought being a professional artist was a reachable goal because of his living environment. Jaraz attended Virginia Commonwealth University's Painting and Printmaking program from 2015 to 2018 and graduated with a BA in Fine Arts. After college, he stayed in Richmond and became a teacher to give back to his community. 

Website: jarazart.com