Ronnie Dukes, Harlem NY
Ronnie Dukes is a painter and illustrator living in Harlem, New York. He attended the Art Institutes International Minnesota.
|
One of the elements that I love to use in my art is birds. I find that they give so much life to a piece, especially in urban themed art. Their ability of flight gives them a transcendent quality which I have always admired and found inspiring.
I have been exhibiting my paintings in New York City for the past four years. And to think, it all began with me selling original art on the steet for money to pay for bills and groceries!
I am Latino (Mexican and Puerto Rican) and African American and was raised on the south side of Chicago. I moved to New York with my, now, wife when she began attending the Columbia Graduate Film Program.
| During one of my guerilla street exhibitions, an administrator for Columbia University came by and bought a piece. I was later invited to have my first solo exhibition at the University! |
 |
| Black Routes |
At the same time, my wife was producing one of her plays on campus. Her play was based on the murders of 400+ women on the U.S./Mexico boarder.
We decided to collaborate and my first show was based on the feminicide taking place at our boarders. It was a powerful show that created lots of interest in my work. I have been exhibiting and working commissions ever since.
