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Amiri Farris' painting "Honor Thy" originally came to our attention on a press release for an event at the Gullah History Museum. We liked it so much we asked Amiri if we could use it to anchor our February story about the island's Gullah culture. Check out his painting below then find out more about this fresh face on the local arts scene.
Amiri’s paintings combine an alluring blend of vivid colors and layered textures that evoke images of Sea Island Gullah culture. His artistic vision introduces us to uplifting moments and insight into his contemporary view of Gullah culture. He has captured the essence of a people who have preserved their African traditions of net making, basket weaving, quilting and bateaux building. His signature style of using Adinkra symbols subtly stamped into an African dress, a colorful turban or entangled in a shrimp net stimulates the eye to take in every inch of the canvas. Deep, engaging layers invite you to look deeper into the painting, where empowering images and colors dance across the canvas in an energetic display of expression. Amiri is a rising star destined to take his place among the great African American artists. His work has been exhibited in major museums and is displayed in permanent collections nationally and internationally. He was named the 2008 Artist of the Year at Historic Penn Center National Historic Landmark on St. Helena Island. He received his Masters of Fine Art in Painting and B.F.A. in Illustration, from the Savannah College of Art and Design and is currently a Professor of Fine Arts at The University of South Carolina Beaufort.
Recent awards
Amiri Geuka Farris, USCB Studio Art faculty member, was recognized by the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation for his dedicated support of the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island. He and other award recipients were honored at an April 1 ceremony held at the State House, followed by a reception hosted by Governor Nikki Haley at the Governor’s mansion.
The Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibit “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music” brought to the Beaufort library by The Humanities Council of South Carolina. The Winter Art Show will run through Feb. 5.
Meet the Artist
Artist Amiri Geuka Farris will teach a class Feb. 18 at the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head Island.
The course from 10 a.m. to noon will explore how Gullah-Geechee culture, traditions and colors blend on canvas, according to a museum news release. Participants will create an acrylic, mixed-media painting based on Gullah culture and Amiri's work.The cost is $50 per person for art supplies. The museum is at 70 Honey Horn Drive. Reservations are required, call 843-689-6767, ext. 223.
