Artist Oshun Williams (Photo Credit: Jimel Primm)
His grandfather’s garden was more than just a patch of earth; it was a lifeline. He grew collard greens, peppers, tomatoes, and more, but it wasn’t just for his table. His garden overflowed with so much fresh produce that he could supply the entire family for a year. The name of Oshun Williams’s art installation, ‘Collard Greens,’ is in honor of that garden—a symbol of family, nourishment, legacy, resilience, and how his grandfather’s hands transformed the soil into sustenance for everyone he loved.
In his Detroit studio, Oshun Williams, named after the Yoruba Goddess, is reshaping the definition of art with every meticulous brushstroke. Within the lively expanse of his loft, tales of family, identity, and self-exploration materialize on the walls, forming a vivid tableau. Williams’s work transcends mere painting; it encompasses a narrative tapestry of heritage and creativity that has garnered widespread acclaim in art and beyond.
Williams, a self-taught emerging artist, was born and raised in Pontiac and quickly gained recognition in the Metro-Detroit arts community. This time last year, he had his first solo art show at the Northwest Gallery of Art called ‘Window Pain.’
“A lot of my images are things I’m going through, and it’s sad, but what I try to do because these paintings are going to be in people’s homes, I try to carry a spirit, or make it where it’s beautiful. That’s the energy,” Williams said.
This year, his work will be celebrated on September 01, marking the beginning of Design Core’s Detroit Month of Design. The public will have the opportunity to see Williams’s new remarkable piece, ‘Collard Greens,’ at the Siren Hotel in downtown Detroit. The mural commemorates Gucci’s ongoing commitment and involvement in Detroit.
“I named it ‘Collard greens’ because my grandfather had a garden in his backyard and grew collard greens, peppers, and tomatoes. But he would grow this garden, and with the garden, he would grow so much fruit and food that he’ll be able to pretty much supply, most of his family, fresh produce for the entire year,” Williams said.
Artist Oshun Williams pointing to ‘Collard Greens’ Painting (Photo Credit: Jimel Primm)
“With the Siren Hotel, I’m excited because now, as an artist, I get to pay homage to my family because that’s a picture of my grandfather, my aunt. Then, I have an older cousin; she was little, that’s her, and then that’s my grandfather’s brother, and the lady is just a family member. But I’m just excited to pay homage.”
His unique artistic approach includes using chenille patches, which he carefully integrates into his artwork to produce a one-of-a-kind mixed-media visual style. He predominantly employs acrylic paints on canvas, skillfully blending colors and textures, and sometimes introduces newspaper elements to infuse depth and dimension into his creations.
A dedicated father, William draws inspiration from painting beautiful portraits of his two beloved daughters. His drive to paint stems from his desire to establish a significant financial inheritance for his children. His passion lies in preserving and transferring generational wealth to ensure his daughters’ stable and thriving future.
“Creating a future for the next generation, for my kids, and being a parent, that’s all that matters. I’m just creating a future because I’m about making generational wealth and continuing.”
“Having my family name holding weight and keeping it going is no longer about me; it’s about the next generation,” Williams said.
Williams’s artistic endeavors are closely intertwined with a vibrant community of local artists. He actively participates in the Breakfast Club Art collective, finding inspiration and creative energy from the diverse perspectives and talents within his artist community.
Williams promptly credited Judy Bowman as his main artistic inspiration when questioned about it. Bowman, who hails from Detroit, is often compared to Williams because their journeys align, as they both have a background in the Breakfast Club scene.
“She inspires me a lot. It’s a guy named Tony Whlgn; he inspires me a lot. He’s a muralist. I had been looking at his work before I came to Detroit and got one of his pieces. Of course, Phil Simpson and Sheefy as well,” Williams said.
“Just two years ago, I knew these people as artists, but now, I can call them my community. We are all really good friends. So, it’s just the community as a whole, and everybody inspires each other.”
Williams is a multifaceted individual. He excels as an artist and is making significant strides in curation and the art business. He has taken the entrepreneurial plunge by establishing a curation company called Detroit Black Arts.
Photo Credit: Jimel Primm
“This is a curation company where we work with artists one on one. We will supply a residency for them for an exhibition. The thing about us is we will also supply all of the artist’s marketing as well. We supply video work,” Williams explained. “Detroit has like an old Black Renaissance going on for the artists, and it’s very Black, and it’s very dope, and it’s very big, and it’s (local art) being talked about in other places too.”
Williams is on a solo artistic journey but finds support and inspiration from numerous individuals throughout his art adventures. He stresses that he eagerly looks forward to witnessing other artists’ growth and success in the city.
“Elonte Davis is a good friend of mine. He does my photography work most of the time. Then you got Jimel Primm, who is great. Then you got my other friend, Joe Cazeno III.”
“We are like a group. But this upcoming Month of Design, Elonte will have a really good show, and we are all looking forward to it,” Williams said.
Williams eagerly anticipates the upcoming week when his artwork will be displayed on the wall of the prestigious Siren Hotel, marking him as the third artist to achieve this honor. He is looking forward to celebrating this significant achievement with his family. Additionally, he is excited about his plans to establish a Black-owned gallery in downtown Detroit, aiming to create opportunities beyond his artistic endeavors.
“I’m looking forward to giving other people opportunities so this can keep continuing. When I’m gone, I want my work to leave an impact. I’m living in my purpose. And this (motions to his artwork on the wall) is my purpose, and that’s my way of giving back to God, my way of serving Him,” Williams said.
Oshun Williams Art Wall Reveal
September 01, 2024, 7:00 PM
The Siren 1509 Broadway St,
Detroit, MI 48226
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