COMMUNITY FOCUS: Khalid Thompson
“THERE IS A CREATIVE POTENCY IN BEING RIGHT HERE, right now,” abstract artist, Khalid Thompson, shares. “In my own way, I’ve always wanted to express my appreciation for that.” For Khalid, art—specifically Abstractionism—expresses the unbridled freedom of being in the moment; it is a means to bridge the gap between the unconscious and conscious by speaking in a language of color and brushstroke. Ever since he was a kid, Khalid has engaged in creative pursuits—first with poetry, then later with music and painting. Over time, he found that art connected him to the ineffable qualities of what it means to be a human being. Since 2007, Khalid has committed himself fully to being an abstract artist and a teacher who helps others unlock the passion, exhilaration, and freedom that comes with creating in the moment.
When Khalid was in his mid 20s, he moved to D.C. where he met Cherif Mamadou, a gifted abstractionist from the Ivory Coast. One day when Khalid was headed to work, he saw Cherif giving a live demonstration on a street corner downtown. “I was transfixed by his level of excitation, exuberance, and fearlessness. He was all over the canvas. He was so energetic, so free. For me, it was like a rush of adrenaline, creative adrenaline.” At the time, Khalid was creating compositions with a more conventional structure and form, since that was the style of art he grew up with. However, representational work didn’t carry the same level of dynamism, spontaneity, and lyricism that he hungered for. Inspired by Cherif, Khalid bought a paint set and “made a mess…I jumped right into it. After a while, I began to have an inner dialogue of how to apply color and technique.”
He then began to self-study the lineage and history of Abstract Expressionism. Jack Whitten, Chakaia Booker, Alma Thomas, and Norman Lewis deeply influenced him. During this month’s four-part “Afro Abstractionism: Creating in the Moment Series” at Common House Richmond, Khalid highlights the work and lives of these four luminaries who helped paved the way for a renaissance of Black Abstractionism to emerge during an era when a white male canon prevailed. As Khalid explains: “They created at times when it wasn’t convenient but they allowed their spirit and connection to the creative forces of this universe to guide them. They’ve provided platforms for artists such as myself to move forward. And I feel obliged to pay homage to them and give them an even greater platform, so that they can be known, recognized, and hopefully inspire others.”
Using each artist’s body of work as a springboard to discussion and exploration, Khalid instructs on how to trust and engage with one’s own intuition to develop a unique visual language. Self-discovery is his mantra; he encourages folks to tap into their inner spirits—rather than inner critics—by asking themselves: What am I trying to express? And am I too afraid to express it? “In this life, you have to try and reach into your heart and touch that part of yourself,” he states, “it’s more empowering and liberating to build a relationship with your creative self. Give yourself that gift. Challenge yourself to be free.”
Last year, Khalid moved back to his Richmond—his hometown—where he teaches for ART 180’s Atlas Youth Program, which provides an opportunity for young people to create, communicate, and heal through art. Just like all of ART 180’s programs, Khalid’s workshop courses are made available to those who might not otherwise have access. Making art accessible is something very important to him, which is why Khalid sells stunning abstract wood paintings on his Etsy shop, Coloring Blocks, for only $20 a pop (and original print t-shirts for $35). It is a way that anyone from any economic background can afford to hang up original artwork in their homes; “Let’s make the visual arts part of our lives again for everybody to enjoy; it makes the community richer and our experiences richer.”
Instead of going to IKEA to buy a stock photo, consider supporting local artists, like Khalid, who are putting real time and energy into providing content for us. Whether it’s through patronage or participation, why not take part in a dynamic and diverse creative community that is transforming lives and driving culture forward? “If you’re interested in pursuing art in whatever way it inspires you, do it,” he concludes, “if in any way I can help facilitate that, check out one of the workshops that we’re doing this month.” Sign up for Khalid’s Afro Abstraction workshops at Common House Richmond featuring the work of Alma Thomas (February 20) and Norman Lewis (February 27) from 12:00-1pm. Connect and get inspired; @khalid_thompson.