James Welch

James Welch is multimedia artist from in Chicago, IL. His work is an examination of Black identity, and Black Queer identity as it interacts with pop culture and white supremacy with themes that are often a mixture of dark and satirical. His mission is to make art that speaks to everyone directly, whether it be to affirm the frustrations faced by those who don’t benefit from white privilege, or a heteronormative society; or to call on those who do to think about the roles they may play in its perpetuation. His first solo exhibition “Coping Mechanisms” debuted kinetic sculptures anthropomorphizing innate human characteristics, and personified idiosyncratic behavior to encourage conversation around mental illness and isolation. Currently he is working on a line of African urban wear, and as a freelance facilitator of art workshops for adults, in numerous universities and nonprofits.