Karl Wilkes

Karl W. Wilkes is an American artist known for his historical paintings.
Atrist's Mission Statement: To unveil a universal language through art that will relate to all of mankind for them to observe. That which will also educate and communicate a living expression from cultures of yesterday today and tomorrow.
Karl W. Wilkes believes that through the universal language of art and history, life's lessons can not only be visualized, but also, better understood. Wilkes was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He gained national attention when his work, History Lesson #5 was chosen by Pepsi and Scholastic, Inc. as the focal point of a national curriculum that aims to help students explore African American experience and achievement.
Wilkes' repertoire includes teaching art and history to seventh and eighth graders, to college students nationwide, and to organizations throughout the Department of Defense. Wilkes also uses his acclaim in a philanthropic manner to teach Black History and its relationship to America worldwide. He donates much of his art to non-profit organizations for auctions that raise money for outreach programs. Money raised from sales and auctioning of Wilkes' work have also been donated to help support sororities, youth groups, women's organizations and to help fund cancer research.
Wilkes has won several awards nationally and internationally. These awards include recognition for a Carnegie Hall exhibit entitled, "Unspoken Words Heard Visually," the International American Art Award (Europe), and the International Arts Festival (Seoul, Korea). Wilkes is also a two-time recipient of the NAACP Image Award (Clemson, South Carolina). Most recently, Wilkes developed a Black History Month Program for Burger King Corporation.
"Through his work. Karl Wilkes challenges all of us,
Indirectly and directly, to examine the boundaries we have put down in our culture, society, history and hearts. His artistry stem from a principled core that secures its authenticity. Mr. Wilkes' native intelligence, experience and talent are are clearly complimented by his academic understanding of the context of his discipline. His versatility and prowess within traditional media contributes significantly to the richness and power of his art which investigates individual and collective conscience. Altogether, this work demonstrates the artist understanding of its theorectical and operational aspects in ways that render it both timely and timeless."-- Mark Hudson Professor of Art, Clemson University

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