Arthur Rogers, Jr. – Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery

Arthur Rogers, Jr.

Exhibitions

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Biography

A native of North Carolina with parental roots from Sint Eustatius and Trinidad, Arthur is a USArmyVeteran and graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in Communications Arts with a concentration in Illustration. Arthur’s career path has provided him with a wealth of experience while holding positions in several design firms and advertising agencies, and serving as a College Instructor and Department Chair. His artistic skill sets include Illustration, Graphic and Web Design, Videography, Photography, and, Painting.

Currently, Arthur is the Executive Director of the Visual and Performing Arts Center - VAPA Center, located in Uptown Charlotte, NC; where he is also a resident artist, a member of the Palette Table Collective, and is represented by Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery.

In the summer of 2020, Arthur launched an apparel brand exclusively targeting artists called ArtGear.

Statement

Yes, I do paint other images besides Carnival. I love portraiture. To me, it is the ultimate challenge to capture a person's spirit on canvas. But for me, Carnival is my happy place. There are too many images that represent the negative struggles of this life. In this body of work, I am choosing to represent celebrating the joys of life, specifically the Caribbean Carnival. Caribbean Carnival is a celebration where people “Play Mas” and see the beauty in each other. The people adorn themselves with elaborate costumes and dance freely to the soundtrack of Carnival.

Carnival in the Caribbean is powered by the SOCA music genre and is a vital part of my work. It is within every brushstroke. Inspired by many carnival celebrations on numerous Caribbean islands, costume designers, musicians, and masqueraders, my paintings seek to bring a few moments of joy to the viewer.

As one of Trinidad and Tobago’s leading designers Peter Minshall says, “Now that you have seen it, aren’t you happy!”