Mark Anthony Wilson Jr (b. 1995, Hampton, Virginia) is a self-taught artist whose practice marries the unveiling of African American heritage with Afrofuturism through sculpture and painting. After playing football at the University of Cincinnati and earning a master's degree (2018) in Applied Behavior Analysis, he found his passion for art while working as a therapist. Inspired by the Indigenous Totem Poles in Washington, he developed an identity in masquerade. Encouraged by the relationship between Black and Indigenous cultures. He uses an assortment of materials to create a utopian nature. Mark's masquerade serves to unify and empower Black bodies across time. Finding empowerment in historical moments of Black resilience to bear arms in self-defense and militant duties. He utilizes the references to establish new tools for liberation through Afrofuturism.
Mark's art was recognized by The Black Artist Fund in 2020. In 2021, his mural won 1st place at LAAMS NYC. The following year 2022, he completed an international residency in Oakville, Canada with The Contemporary Arts Network and international group exhibition in Abuja, Nigeria at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre. In 2023, he exhibits at The Virginia Musuem of Contemporary Art, and commercially with Jenkins Johnson and Marc Straus galleries in New York. Mark Anthony Wilson Jr is a 2023, AIR: Artist In Residency at The Contemporary Arts Network in Newport News, Virginia for the cities The Worlds Art Celebration festival. He is currently serving as the co-facilitator for the 2023 The Young Artist of Color Fellowship at FAB NYC.
Mark's art was recognized by The Black Artist Fund in 2020. In 2021, his mural won 1st place at LAAMS NYC. The following year 2022, he completed an international residency in Oakville, Canada with The Contemporary Arts Network and international group exhibition in Abuja, Nigeria at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre. In 2023, he exhibits at The Virginia Musuem of Contemporary Art, and commercially with Jenkins Johnson and Marc Straus galleries in New York. Mark Anthony Wilson Jr is a 2023, AIR: Artist In Residency at The Contemporary Arts Network in Newport News, Virginia for the cities The Worlds Art Celebration festival. He is currently serving as the co-facilitator for the 2023 The Young Artist of Color Fellowship at FAB NYC.