Artemus Jenkins is an experimental ethnographer whose work spans documentary filmmaking, photography, writing, and mixed media to document and interpret everyday life. Rooted in observation and exploration, his practice centers on the innovative portrayal of shared cultural experiences through visual imagery and sound, with a focus on amplifying underrepresented voices across the African diaspora.
Jenkins’ career in filmmaking began in 2007 through his work as a digital media strategist, where he managed the online presence of artists such as Ludacris, Bobby V, 2 Chainz, and Lil Scrappy. During this time, he acted as a personal documentarian, producing and releasing weekly content that captured the behind-the-scenes process of album creation. This early work established his foundation in independent production and digital distribution—skills he would later apply to his own projects.
After contributing to campaigns that helped sell millions of records, Jenkins was laid off, a turning point that allowed him to fully commit to his independent practice. Beginning in 2012, he embarked on a self-funded artmaking journey, producing and distributing films via YouTube that would go on to shape both digital and physical cultural landscapes. Supported by his work as a documentarian and music video director, he developed a sustainable model for independent filmmaking rooted in cultural relevance and direct-to-audience distribution.
His first feature-length documentary, Color Outside the Lines, introduced Black tattoo culture to a global audience with authenticity and care, contributing to the growth of an independent creative economy around the practice. His follow-up film, Power of Pussy, became a cultural touchpoint—garnering over 5 million views and opening critical conversations around sexuality, self-expression, and autonomy through unprecedented access to the women of Magic City. The film has since inspired a wave of documentaries engaging similar subject matter.
Expanding his work into narrative digital media, Jenkins co-created the cult-favorite web series Smoke and Mirrors, a defining project in the Black love web series movement that helped legitimize digital platforms as viable spaces for independent filmmakers and audiences alike.
Across four continents, more than a dozen countries, and over 35 domestic territories, Jenkins has built a body of work grounded in cultural exchange and firsthand research. In parallel with his artistic production, he has evolved into a cultural steward—designing and activating platforms that support artists and foster community engagement. Through initiatives such as Cinema Souterrain and Garage Sessions, he curates screenings, facilitates dialogue, and transforms alternative spaces into sites for exhibition, collaboration, and critical discourse.
From 2020 to 2025, Jenkins expanded his impact within the visual art space through residency programs where he served as a teaching artist, mentor, and steward of creative communities. Following the release of his early film work, he has also lectured and conducted workshops in both grassroots and academic settings, including Morehouse College, the University of Illinois, Kent State University, Georgia State University, and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Today, Jenkins’ work is focused on building artist-led ecosystems that connect creators, patrons, and curators—developing frameworks that stimulate independent economies and sustain long-term cultural production. His practice continues to merge storytelling, infrastructure, and community to reflect and shape the current cultural moment.
Artist Statement
I make art by putting different things together, like photos and objects, to tell stories about people in West Africa and African American communities. I look at how they live every day and how they protect who they are.
I believe our families carry special memories inside us, like invisible threads that connect us to our ancestors. Through photos, films, and collage, I show how the present moment will one day become history, and how we are more alike than we sometimes realize.
My project called GITYUSUMPROTECTION is about how people protect themselves — both on the inside and the outside.
I talk about two big ideas:
Temples — which means our inner world (our thoughts, feelings, and spirit).
Fortification — which means our outer world (our homes, bodies, and communities).
The project shares the idea that if we feel strong and safe inside, we can build strong and safe lives outside too. I started thinking about this during the pandemic, when many systems meant to protect us did not feel strong. It helped me understand that real protection begins at home and within ourselves.
After spending time in Lagos through an artist exchange program, I began creating twelve artworks. Each one explores ideas like:
Knowing yourself
Being proud of who you are
Staying spiritually strong
Finding peace inside even when the world feels chaotic
Learning from your ancestors
Healing
Setting boundaries
Building community
Leaving a legacy
Surviving hard times
Being both strong and open
Feeling connected, even when you feel alone
All of my work shares my journey as an African man learning more about his roots and finding his way back to his culture.
contact Artemus via email: aj@artemusjenkins.com
Curriculum Vitae
Artemus Jenkins
Born: Baltimore, MD | 1982
Education: B.S. in Sales and Marketing, Tuskegee University 2000-2004
Work experience
creative producer/consultant | artemus jenkins | 2017-current
founder & producer | christmas in july 1982 | 2007-current
digital content strategist | DTP Records | 2007-2010
Field marketing coordinator | Ebony Son Entertainment | 2004-2006
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy centers on fostering authentic learning experiences through hands-on activities and meaningful social-emotional connections. With over 15 years of experience, I firmly believe that students learn best when actively engaged in the learning process. I strive to create a classroom environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration. By nurturing emotional intelligence and building strong relationships, I empower students to not only excel academically but also thrive as empathetic, responsible, and lifelong learners.
Awards
Lagos-Atlanta Artist Residency Fellow | 2024
Creative Catalyst Award | ReImagine ATL |2023
Idea Capital Grant Winner | 2021
Artadia Award Finalist | 2021
The Creatives Project Residency Fellow 2020-2022
MTV Video Music Award | “I Can’t Breathe” by H.E.R. | 2020
“best of ATL" best documentary award "If You Know the Words Feel" | creative Loafing | 2016
Workshops & Lectures
2024, Artist Talk with Victor Adewale at Angels and Muse
2023, author & instructor of how to be a dope artist book workshop
2022, host & curator of cinema souterrain, weekly independent film night
2021, facilitator of body language, monthly figure drawing sessions
2020, instructor of virtual workshop with The Creatives Project on Community Documentation | Instagram Takeover
2020, instructor of virtual workshop with NBAF “Our Lives, Your Entertainment
2019, instructor of “Something from Nothing” mobile filmmaking workshop | James Monroe High School, Bronx, NY
2019, instructor of “Seeing Color” documentary workshop | Kent State University, Kent, OH
2017, instructor of "Documentary Filmmaking and Black Lives" course | Georgia State University
2013, black geek week screening and Q&A for "Color Outside the Lines" | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Film projects
2025
ARTSKOOL | experimental podcast series
2024
“How to be a Dope Artist” | docuseries pilot
2022
“Heart of the City” | documentary short
2021
“Free WIFI” Atlanta Contemporary Biennale installation
2020
“The Black Joy Manifesto” | livestream
2017
"broken stories" | feature length film
“last call for sad goodbyes” | short film
2016
“perception” | short film
2015
"if you know the words, feel free" | short film
"smoke and mirrors" season deux | webseries
2014
"the world awaits" | documentary short
"united" | documentary short
“take a stand” | city of atlanta PSA
2013
"smoke and mirrors" season one | web series
2012
"power of pussy" | documentary series
"color outside the lines: a tattoo documentary" | feature length film
Visual Art Exhibitions
2025
“REVIVAL” video installation @ SITE | The Goat Farm | atlanta, ga
18th City of Ink Anniversary Show | Old Rabbit Gallery | atlanta, ga
2024
GITYUSUMPROTECTION solo exhibition | Angels and Muse | Lagos, Nigeria
AVC FEST Experimental Film Festival | The Goat Farm | atlanta, ga
“They Should Have Never Gave You Niggas, Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice” solo exhibition | Hidden Gallery 333 | atlanta, ga
2022
Articulate ATL group exhibition | Mint Gallery | atlanta, ga
Gaignard Public Art Project | 79 Marietta St Digital Billboard | atlanta, ga
The Creatives Project “Ascension” group exhibition | Academy Lofts | atlanta, ga
2021
“With, All & In-Between” group exhibition | Candela Gallery | richmond, va
“Virtual Remains” group exhibition | Atlanta Contemporary Art Center | atlanta, ga
The Creatives Project “Presence” group exhibition | Academy Lofts | atlanta, ga
2020
The Creatives Project “drive thru atl” group exhibition | AAD | atlanta, ga
“Heart of the City” official selection of afrikana film festival | richmond, va
2019
“art of atlanta” group exhibition | wish gallery | atlanta, ga
2017
art, beats and lyrics | eight market tour
"i know the sunset" official selection of afrikana film festival | richmond,va
"dead ringer" group exhibition/collaboration | murmur gallery | atlanta, ga
"in the act" group exhibition | facet gallery | atlanta, ga
"alltimeslove”solo photo and video art exhibition | notch 8 gallery | atlanta, ga
"city of ink 10th anniversary" group exhibition | city of ink gallery | atlanta, ga
"any other place and time" group photo exhibition | facet gallery | atlanta, ga
2016
"what did you expect" group photography exhibition | notch 8 gallery |atlanta, ga
"city of ink 9th anniversary show" | group art exhibit | city of ink gallery| atlanta, ga
2015
"if you know the words, feel free" premiere screening | studio no. 7 | atlanta, ga
"smoke and mirrors" season 2 premiere screening and Q&A | studio no. 7 | atlanta, ga
"enough is enough 2" group art exhibition | city of Ink | atlanta, ga
2012
"color outside the lines: a tattoo documentary" bronze lens film festival official selection | atlanta, ga
"skin & ink" group photography exhibition | city of ink | atlanta, ga (curator and exhibitor)
"color outside the lines: a tattoo documentary" premiere screening | landmark theatre at midtown art plaza | atlanta, ga
arts awareness and appreciation club Screening and Panel for "Color Outside the Lines" featuring Spree Wilson, Al Fliction and Made Rich | Fashion Institute of Technology
secret screening and Q&A of "Color Outside the Lines" with Ryan Henry and Miya Bailey | Complex Magazine
Commissions
2018, "georgia loves you" photo series for private collection of Mercedes Benz Stadium | atlanta,ga
Published Work
2015, mass appeal magazine | atlanta art scene feature | january issue
2014, creative loafing music issue, j-live feature
2012, urban ink magazine, "color outside the lines" feature
Selected Press
2024
“Artemus Jenkins stays grounded with new solo show” by Charles Stephens | ArtsATL
“Artemus Jenkins channels W.E.B. Dubois & Kendrick Lamar | WABE
2021
Idea Capital gives $14,600 to 12 risk-taking multimedia Atlanta artists | Arts ATL
2020
“Get to Know AfroPunk’s favorite upcoming Filmmakers” feature for BlackLight Initiative
2015
"short film looks at atlanta's creative class" feature for "If You Know the Words, Feel Free" | burnaway.org
creative loafing feature for "If You Know the Words, Feel Free by Rodney Carmichael | creative loafing
black voices feature for "If You Know the Words, Feel Free by Bessie Akuba | huffington post
"smoke and mirrors showcases atlanta black arts scene" by Rodney Carmichael | creative loafing
2014
"10 black webseries that will make you cancel your cable" by Charing Ball | madame noire
2013
"smoke and mirrors throws shade on the single life" by Rodney Carmichael | creative loafing
2012
"power of the pussy takes you behind the pole at Magic City" by Siobahn Cassidy | vice magazine
"new documentary on black tattoo artists makes it's mark" by Patrice Peck | ebony magazine