Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces presented by ArtAboveReality

Welcome to "Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries.

In this episode, I speak with Charles Mason III, a fine artist based in Baltimore, MD. He received his BFA from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and MFA in Studio Art from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He is a Trawick Prize Winner and has artwork in the permanent collection of the Baltimore Museum of Art, the James E. Lewis Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art Special Collections, and the Hammer Museum Grunwald Center Collection. Welcome to "Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we'll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they've overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms. From gallery walls to global stages, we'll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that's not all. "Cultural Canvases" goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression.

In this episode, I chat with Marly McFly, a self-taught artist from Newport News, VA. Drawing influences from his life and surroundings. He incorporates nostalgia and pop culture, to create narrative-driven works. His characters are utilized to address ideas of self-expression, empowerment, hope, and resilience. His work is the perfect mix of contemporary, pop, and urban street art and has successfully exhibited in major international markets including New York, Paris, and Tokyo. He has also collaborated with brands such as Nike, the MLB, the NBA, and Nickelodeon among others. Let’s take a listen. Welcome to "Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we'll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they've overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms. From gallery walls to global stages, we'll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that's not all. "Cultural Canvases" goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression.

In this episode, I chat with artist, musician, and manager Slim Jeff. Originally from the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles, He is a member of the electronic band CAPYAC, in addition to his solo career. He has toured North America and played shows in Africa, Asia, & Europe. As a manager, he helped his biggest client earn a Grammy nomination for production work on Nas - King's Disease II. SlimJeff continues to create and perform internationally while offering advice for growth for many of LA’s up-and-comers. Let’s take a listen.

In this episode, I chat with Bentley Brown a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and educator at the Parsons School of Design. His research focuses on the role of Black artists and creative spaces in New York City’s contemporary art movements from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s. His 2019 exhibition, "Frederick J. Brown: Dreams and the Possibility Of...," explored his father’s concept of dreams and the American Dream, analyzing motifs and fictional characters to highlight tensions between self, myth, and home. Brown holds a master's degree in African Studies from University College London. His artistic practice, influenced by African American cultural production, abstract and figurative expressionism, and the desert landscape of Phoenix, uses canvas, found objects, photo-collage, and film to explore themes of Black identity, cosmology, and American interculturalism..

In this episode, we speak with James Dupree, a distinguished American artist, educator, and activist. He has been honored with numerous fellowships and artist residencies across Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and Wales. His accolades include the prestigious Living Legend Award from the Black Alumni Society of the University of Pennsylvania. Notably, from 2012 to 2014, Dupree's studio in the Mantua neighborhood of West Philadelphia faced an eminent domain takeover attempt by the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA), a battle which concluded with Dupree successfully retaining his studio.

In Episode Eight, I speak with Los Angeles based artist Floyd Strickland. He critically explores American culture through the perspectives of black and brown children, drawing inspiration from his own childhood to create ethereal, realistic paintings. His work, often featuring his own children, aims to highlight their beauty, strength, and potential, addressing the confidence struggles he observed and experienced in his youth.

In this installment, I engage in conversation with Al Santana, a versatile artist experienced in film, still photography, and abstract painting. With a career spanning five decades, he boasts an impressive portfolio, having contributed to numerous acclaimed documentaries, public affairs films, and videos broadcast both nationally and internationally. As a burgeoning visual artist, his creations adorn numerous private collections, showcasing his ongoing exploration of diverse materials and mediums to craft distinct visual idioms tailored to each artistic endeavor. Welcome to "Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we'll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they've overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms. From gallery walls to global stages, we'll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that's not all. "Cultural Canvases" goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression.

In this episode, I talk with Ezra McCoy, an Atlanta-based fiction writer, cultural critic, and essayist. His work explores the intersections of labor, love, and liberation in class-based society as found in literature, art, music, history, and politics. His work is featured or forthcoming in Rotary, Moguldom, Bold Culture, Medium.com, and his regular newsletter, Ezra Indited. Let’s take a listen. Welcome to "Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we'll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they've overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms. From gallery walls to global stages, we'll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that's not all. "Cultural Canvases" goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

Welcome to "Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In this episode, I chat with Philadelphia-based artist Tim McFarlane who’s process relies on a sense of interdependence and chance happenings, which allows for multiple meanings in the work that can be explored by the viewer. Merging aspects of my lived experience, observations of changes occurring around me, and imagined scenarios, I make non-objective work reflecting broad life and memory experiences.

Welcome to "Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we'll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they've overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms. From gallery walls to global stages, we'll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that's not all. "Cultural Canvases" goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression.

In Episode Three, I chat with B/ue Robin, a Maryland-based artist and entrepreneur who seeks to spread love through his creativity. His mission is based on healing and spirituality through creative experiences. We chat about his practice, understanding the true meaning of being self-taught, and how new tools and ideas open up new experiences in his creativity. Let’s take a listen.   Welcome to "Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we'll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they've overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms. From gallery walls to global stages, we'll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that's not all. "Cultural Canvases" goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

In episode two, we chat with Reggie Perry Jr., a multifaceted creator excelling in design, audio, and video production, motion graphics, and 3D animation. His expertise in typography, illustrations, and various media forms in the Home Depot learning department and as a freelance designer for clients like Greenwood Bank and Caregility, further demonstrates his skills in web content creation through e-commerce and lifestyle imagery. Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we'll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they've overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms. From gallery walls to global stages, we'll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that's not all. "Cultural Canvases" goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

In Episode One, I sit down with Des Moines, Iowa based artist B. Robert Moore. Multidisciplinary self-taught artist started painting in 2018-19 to counter drug addiction and alcoholism. As a tool to counter mental health issues and life trauma, Moore paints figurative works amongst other contemporary works that all are inner connected through Moore’s identity and experience as a Black man in America. Growing up in Iowa, a predominantly White-conservative state has inspired Moore to uplift narratives and images of people from his community and abroad who identify through similar life identity and experiences. Storytelling is the backbone of Moore’s work, as the composition of the visual only aides the hours of research and layered symbolism throughout each individual work. Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we'll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they've overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms. From gallery walls to global stages, we'll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that's not all. "Cultural Canvases" goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

In this episode, we talk with Jamiah Calvin, a fine artist and muralist born and raised in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. His work is deeply shaped by both the realities of his upbringing and the imaginative worlds he built as a means of escape. A graduate of Prosser Vocational School, Jamiah went on to serve in the military, an experience that allowed him to live and work across the globe. After his service, he pursued a BFA in Fine Art at Northern Illinois University. His artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with murals spanning cities across the U.S. and abroad. Yet, for Jamiah, the most meaningful moments come when his work is seen and celebrated in his hometown of Chicago. Join the ArtAboveReality channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0S2OYmTsmQf5nqMQZhUw/join

In this episode, we talk with Antonio Miller, a multidisciplinary artist based in Newark, whose work explores memory, Black identity, and cultural inheritance through collage, painting, and installation. Drawing from personal archives and found materials, he constructs immersive environments that celebrate the textures and rhythms of everyday Black life. Currently an Artist-in-Residence with the Paul Robeson Galleries at Express Newark, Miller is preparing for his debut solo exhibition, Hey Young World!, set to open in Fall 2025.Join the ArtAboveReality channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0S2OYmTsmQf5nqMQZhUw/join

In this episode, we talk with Darryl Eisden, a Dutch-Caribbean artist based in Barcelona, redefines sculpture through a unique fusion of plastiline and traditional clay techniques. His work seeks to animate the inanimate—to breathe life into form, making stillness feel as if it moves. He describes his approach as “graffiti in sculpture,” a bold departure from conventional expectations of the medium. Once a musician, Darryl found a new rhythm in sculpture, channeling his need for expression through shape and structure. His ongoing project, Cervello Artistico, shines a light on working artists across Barcelona and Europe, celebrating the vibrancy of contemporary creative communities.Join the ArtAboveReality channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0S2OYmTsmQf5nqMQZhUw/join