Artemus Jenkins is an experimental ethnographer whose artistic work, encompasses photography, documentary filmmaking, and collage, delves into the concept of energetic memory; the unseen but potent imprints of experiences, emotions, and histories carried within spaces, objects, and individuals. His practice engages themes of identity, cultural heritage, spirituality, and resilience, specifically within the African Diaspora, recording historical transformation as it unfolds. Artemus utilizes collage and assemblage to explore a language of fractured storytelling, which mirrors the complex process of piecing together our identities within the African Diaspora. His intention is to unify these fragmented narratives into a holistic representation of our lived experiences. Works currently being created through this residency will embody objects designed for the home, represented through the intentional upcycling of everyday materials found in domestic spaces.
As an author Artemus has designed and converted a social-emotional learning curriculum into a book & docu-series. This innovative book project titled “How to Be a Dope Artist” enriches and empowers readers by helping them gain a deeper understanding of how to organize their creative process to manifest anything they can dream up.
Having produced compelling work across four continents, spanning over 12 countries and 35 domestic territories, Artemus has amassed a rich tapestry of diverse cultural insights. Since the release of his first feature-length documentary, Color Outside the Lines, he has actively engaged in lecturing and conducting workshops. These educational endeavors have taken place in various community spaces and esteemed academic institutions, including Morehouse College, the University of Illinois, Kent State, Georgia State, and Georgia Tech.
Artemus Jenkins continues to be a trailblazer, exploring the unique intersections of art, culture, education and how contemporary art and media publishing can serve as potent tools for exploring and understanding the world around us.
Artist Statement
I am an interdisciplinary lens-based artist who utilizes photography, documentary films, and collage to explore the concept of energetic memory. By documenting the present as it becomes history, I aim to illustrate a generational "sameness" within our ancestral coding; an unseen thread that shapes how we live and develop our communities across the African Diaspora.
Employing an ethnographic approach, I create assemblages that investigate the parallels between West African and African American daily life. My work embodies both personal and collective narratives, delving into how cultural heritage and spiritual practices influence the ways we safeguard our identities. This process not only connects disparate moments in time but also uncovers the enduring resilience and interconnectedness within African-rooted cultures.
"GITYUSUMPROTECTION" explores traditional African methods of spiritual and physical protection contrasted with contemporary Western approaches. Structured around two foundational themes, TEMPLES (inner worlds) and FORTIFICATION (outer worlds), the project emphasizes the idea that our external realities mirror our internal conditions. This perspective highlights an ancestral coding deeply embedded within us, subtly influencing how we navigate life and cultivate community across generations. The ideologies for this body of work emerged as a reflection on the pandemic, which starkly exposed the fragility of existing protective systems. This revelation solidified my understanding that true protection begins at home, leading me to conceive this project as a personal manifesto of protection cast over my lineage.
Inspired by my recent residency with the Lagos-Atlanta Artist Exchange, I propose creating twelve unique artworks, each exploring a concept tied to inner and outer worlds:
Self-Reflection | 2. Identity & Authenticity | 3. Spiritual Integrity | 4. Inner Harmony vs. External Chaos | 5. Ancestral Wisdom | 6. Healing & Wholeness | 7. Boundaries & Protection | 8. Community & Belonging | 9. Legacy & Continuity | 10. Adaptation & Survival | 11. Vulnerability & Strength | 12. Connection & Isolation
Through experimental ethnographic approaches, utilizing lens-based media, assemblages, and installations, each piece will vividly express these concepts, reflecting my experience as an African man navigating estrangement and reclaiming my cultural heritage.
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” museum 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
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