Cedric Michael Cox

Artist Statement:

As an artist in 2021, I’ve found that it’s vital to be true to myself with my form of expression. In order for me to be truly free from the self-imposed biases or preconceived notions of race to creatively express, share, and experience art with others, I must reside in a place of joy and gratefulness. With my art, I intend for the personal to become universal among all groups of people, as we celebrate freedom, find our likenesses, and harmonize our differences. I proudly proclaim that I am a Black Man creating art and my individual drive and vision will always transcend society’s-imposed biases and perceived limitations of how I should think or feel. I will ongoingly reach above and beyond boundaries to write my own history and success with Joy. Thank you to Black Art Speaks for creating opportunities where my vision can be shared with all.

Bio:

Cedric Michael Cox is best known for his paintings and drawings which fall between surrealism and representational abstraction. As a student at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, Cox was awarded a fellowship to study at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland. After receiving his BFA in Painting in 1999, he began to exhibit locally and regionally.

Cox’s paintings catapults color into rhythmic action with abstract and recognizable images that create compositions inspired by themes in music and the natural world. His work remains true to sharing Cox’s innermost self and radiates passion from the canvas. Working under several influences which include architecture and art history, Cox’s work ranges from the geometric, to the curvilinear, to floral-like forms, all dancing within surrealistic shapes. In addition to his work being in corporate collections, Cox executed several large-scale public murals and murals in various Public and Private Schools in the Cincinnati region. Cox’s past exhibitions include, The Contemporary Arts Center of Cincinnati, The Weston Art Gallery, The Columbus Art Museum, Dayton Art institute, Five Myles Gallery in Brooklyn, Museum of Science and Industry and Gallery Guichard in Chicago, and The Taft Museum of Art. In 2019 Cox’s work was on exhibit at 21c Museum Hotel in Cincinnati, and this year he had a solo exhibition at James Ratliff Gallery in Sedona, Arizona. He recently completed a series 64 paintings for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Throughout his career, Cedric Michael Cox’s, work has been featured in books, magazines, and television.

@cedric_michael_cox