Repost from @lightfromallsides • JULIAN HASKINS is an exhibiting artist in the upcoming Light From All Sides exhibition at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center opening January 9, 2021. Tap link in bio for more information about show and related events. Julian Haskins is a self-taught artist born in Chesapeake, Virginia (VA). Art has always been a part of Julian’s life. At the age of six he began to teach himself to draw and sketch. He began experimenting with the craft of painting in the summer of 2014, while recovering from a major coxal surgery. During the recovery period Julian turned to art as his only form of self-expression. The strenuous days of physical therapy and sleepless nights, art became the punctuation of peace and clarity in a dark time. The following two years would be the starting point of Julian’s segue into the world of art. Through hard-work he became a constant in the Hampton Roads area, displaying his artwork in open mic nights, collaboration events and pop up shops. Then expanding into new areas including Richmond, VA, Washington DC, Baltimore, MD and even New York. His love of art has also accumulated into having three successful solo exhibitions. A mini documentary and many other accolades and recognitions of work. Julian has enjoyed learning to master the medium of acrylic paints while also experimenting with many other styles. With many inspirations ranging from Ray Johnson, Clayton Singleton, Chris Clark and many more. Julian made a vow to never stop creating and that no matter what, do what you love. In his words: My work explores the relationship between the male and female. With influences as diverse as Ray Johnson and Banksy, new variations are synthesized from both literal and transparent meanings. Ever since I was a teenager, I have been fascinated by the artist limits of the universe. What starts out as vision soon becomes a colorful mass of ideas and confusion, leaving only a sense of decadence and the likelihood of a new reality. As shifting ideas become reconfigured through studious and diverse practice, the viewer is left with a testament to the possibilities of our existence. #LFAS #lightfromallsides #downinggross #friend (at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJbRwX4hGYq/?igshid=yg4g8gxzzkq1