“i live
a fly ass life…”
bio
artemus jenkins is an experimental ethnographer, who utilizes documentary filmmaking and photography to document and comment on everyday life. a born observer and explorer, his artistic practice is rooted in sharing uncommon interests in familiar ways. since 2006 innovation has been his calling card and ain’t shit changed. artemus’ creative expressions as a multidisciplinary artist manifest through writing, photography, video art, performance art, illustration and collage.
artist statement
artemus jenkins work focuses on how artists repurpose inspiration to create a reality that is authentic and empowering. artemus' is influenced by a desire to make work his former and future self would be glad exists. his current projects involve translating a 10 year archive of images and sound into an edutainment curriculum that will equip a new generation of polymath creators with culturally relevant concepts and insight on documenting the world around us.
Curriculum Vitae
Artemus Jenkins
Born: Baltimore, MD | 1982
Education: B.S. in Sales and Marketing, Tuskegee University 2000-2004
Work Experience
Teaching Artist/Consultant | Artemus Jenkins | 2017-Current
Pioneering innovative educational approaches for aspiring artists for Intellectual Property management and production.
Founder & Producer | Christmas in July 1982 | 2007-Current
Established and managed an independent production company focused on shedding light on alternative aspects of African Diasporic culture.
Digital Content Strategist | DTP Records | 2007-2010
Led digital content strategy, contributing to the creative vision of multimedia projects.
Field Marketing Coordinator | Ebony Son Entertainment | 2004-2006
Coordinated field marketing initiatives, enhancing brand visibility.
Awards
Creative Catalyst Award | ReImagine ATL 2023
The Creatives Project Residency Fellow 2020-2022
Idea Capital Grant Winner 2021
Artadia Award 2021 Finalist
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
2023: Author & Instructor, "How to Be a Dope Artist" Book Workshop with Georgia Tech, LoveJoy Highschool, Kilombo Academic and Cultural Institute & TSK Prep Academy.
2022: Host & Curator, Cinema Souterrain, Weekly Independent Film Night at Peters Street Station is currently going into its 4th season of production.
2021: Facilitator, "Body Language," Monthly Figure Drawing Sessions, provided developing artists a space to refine their technique as artists and entrepreneurs.
Artistic Philosophy
I am an experimental ethnographer utilizing documentary filmmaking and photography to document and comment on everyday life. My work, spanning over four continents, aims to amplify underrepresented voices and provide an insider perspective on African Diasporic culture.
Teaching Philosophy
With a background as an artist, my teaching approach is rooted in experiential learning. I focus on democratizing storytelling, empowering marginalized communities to use accessible tools for impactful visual storytelling. Through hands-on learning, I foster creativity, community connections, and positive change.
Curriculum Design Approach
Needs Assessment: Identify community values and aspirations.
Curriculum Design: Develop learning objectives aligned with community values.
Progressive Skills Building: Design curriculum progressively, starting with foundational concepts.
Student Choice: Incorporate student choice to promote self-determination.
Active Learning: Implement hands-on activities for self-directed exploration.
Guest Involvement: Invite local artists and experts for insights.
Reflection Opportunities: Provide regular reflection opportunities for students.
Evaluation: Assess engagement and self-determination, adjust curriculum accordingly.
I am committed to cultivating safe spaces for artistic expression and enhancing community engagement through innovative educational initiatives. My current project, "How to Be a Dope Artist," is a testament to this commitment.
Film projects
2022
“Heart of the City” | documentary short
2021
“Free WIFI” museum installation
2020
“The Black Joy Manifesto” | livestream
2019
“how to be a dope artist” | docu-series
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
2022
Articulate ATL group exhibition | Mint Gallery | atlanta, ga
2021
“With, All & In-Between” group exhibition | Candela Gallery | atlanta, ga
“Virtual Remains” group exhibition | Atlanta Contemporary Art Center | atlanta, ga
2020
“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 ft. kelly blackmon, chilly-o, spencer charles, tripp cook, kaya faery, jeff hagerman, manda moffitt, justin perkins, omega ruth jr | atlanta, ga
"city of ink 9th anniversary show" | group art exhibit | 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
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