Representing Excellence Exhibit

Craig “The Artist” Carter is a Houston based artist who specializes in paintings and murals of urban expressionism using African influences and musical elements to portray his culture in a positive manner.

 Craig grew up on the southwest side of Houston where there were not a lot of positive options but creating art allowed him to escape his surroundings. Taking inspiration from hip-hop movies such as Beat Street with graffiti writer, “RAMO,”  he began his art practice and worked to perfect a style he could call his own. With his focus on representation of African American culture, he aims to show young black kids and teenagers that they too can become artists and creatives.

 Craig’s artwork has been featured in museums and galleries to include the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Houston Museum of African American Culture; Paschal & Hunter Gallery; Palazzo Velli Exhibition Hall in Rome, Italy; and William Humphrey Art Gallery in Northern Cape, South Africa. His artwork has also been found in numerous national and international magazines as well as national food and entertainment advertisements.

 “I believe that creating all types of art is a great form of expressionism and letting out different emotions. My artwork gives a voice for the voiceless. I am never without my sketchbook, so I am always sketching out ideas. Everything inspires me from the lady talking on the corner to listening to a variety of music. My preference is to create portraits and scenes with my urban -expressionism style using African influences and musical elements. It’s something about seeing people in their daily routine that inspires me to use them as a reference. My goals are to grow as an artist, helping the youth from the inner cities and poverty-stricken places around the world with the use of art.”