Artrepreneur Podcast
Painting Humanity and Cultivating Goodness with Chaz Guest
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Join Grace Cho, CEO of Artrepreneur, for a compelling discussion with Chaz Guest, an American contemporary artist renowned for blending African aesthetics with a modern artistic sensibility. This conversation looks at Guest’s early life in Niagara Falls, New York, his artistic evolution, and how his work addresses cultural identity. He emphasizes the importance of living with purpose, serving others, and connecting with universal energy. Guest’s philosophy advocates for making the most of our time on Earth by using creativity and inspiration to positively influence future generations.
Despite recognition from figures like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, Guest remains focused on motivating young artists and creating deeply impactful art. He eagerly anticipates future projects, including a superhero film and a series of paintings inspired by his childhood in West Philadelphia, dedicated to using his art for social change, celebrating the human spirit, and nurturing emerging talent.
Chaz Guest: A Portrait of the Artist
Born on May 2, 1961, in Niagara Falls, NY, Chaz Guest’s journey into art began at 28, after witnessing gymnast Shun Fujimoto’s determination during the 1976 Olympics, which profoundly influenced his creative process, leading to a body of work that captures the essence of the human spirit. From his Los Angeles studio, adorned with Africa-originated inspirations, Guest crafts pieces that reflect light, energy, and legacy, telling stories that resonate with humanity.
His art, celebrated in prestigious collections and through commissions from influential patrons, has immortalized cultural icons and been recognized with various awards. His sculpture, “The Icon Man,” has become an award statuette, with recipients including Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson. His dedication to visual arts as a medium for activism is evident in his “Cotton Series,” which conveys the dignity of enslaved individuals, and his “Superhero Series,” which introduces a hero from the cotton fields of America. Other projects, such as his graphic novel Buffalo Warrior, which is being adapted for film, showcase his commitment to incorporating cultural narratives into his art.
Through significant exhibitions and the Chaz Guest World Art Project, he works to instill cultural pride in children and foster respect across diverse backgrounds. Guest’s ultimate aspiration is to bring people closer, with his art serving as a reflective mirror for viewers, encouraging a deeper connection to our shared humanity.
Chaz Guest, “President Obama,” (2009)
