By Ernest Disney-Britton
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| "Untitled" (2014) by Michael Ross |
We acquired only one work in 2023, a housewarming gift from a new Key West-based artist, Michael Ross. His visually pleasing work frequently features abstracted, anthropomorphic houses like the one he gifted us. Over the past three decades, Michael has worked with this iconography to investigate a shared and individual site of emotional refuge, memory, and the black male figure. The work of Draftsman
John Biggers and the photographer
Rotimi Fani-Kayode also influence his work.
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| Artist Michael Ross moved to Key West in October 2021 to become the new director of exhibitions and education at The Studios of Key West. CRICKET DESMARAIS/Keys Weekly |
(For Wikipedia) Michael Ross (b. 1955) is an African-American illustrator renowned for his work featuring abstracted, anthropomorphic homes. This approach allows him to delve into the shared and individual site of emotional refuge, memory, and the black male figure. His artistic exploration extends to various mediums, including paintings, drawings, fabric-scapes, wood sculptures, and quilts, where he delves into the notions of freedom, power, pleasure, spirit, and healing. His journey in the visual arts began in Laurel, Mississippi, and was further enriched by his academic pursuits. He earned a B.F.A. in painting at The University of Mississippi and an M.A. in drawing at Northern Illinois University. Since 2022, he has also served as the director of exhibitions and education at the Studios of Key West, a role that allows him to share his passion and knowledge with others.
