My practice bridges classical composition and cutting-edge technology to explore themes of identity, visibility, and impermanence within the Black experience. Drawing inspiration from Nicolas Poussin’s use of wax maquettes, I build my reference imagery using photogrammetry and laser scanning, capturing real people with precision. These digital models allow me to sculpt and stage my subjects in a virtual space, creating dynamic forms that become the foundation for my paintings.

Working in acrylic, oils, and 3D modeling, I translate these references into emotionally charged works that balance realism and abstraction. A key aspect of my process is the use of dazzle-inspired patterns—originally developed as disruptive camouflage on WWI battleships—and the natural patterns of zebras—both methods of hiding in plain sight—to create layered surfaces that simultaneously protect and expose my subjects. These patterns, combined with bold contrasts and textured depth, evoke themes of concealment, survival, and resilience.

My work often features jet-black or reflective skin, symbolic hair textures, and cultural references that challenge how Black figures are seen, both historically and in contemporary contexts.

Painting is never static for me; I frequently paint over previous works to embrace impermanence as a philosophy—an acknowledgment that change is essential for growth. My goal is to create art where innovation meets memory, and where the digital and handmade converge to tell stories that are deeply personal yet universally resonant.

Through this evolving practice, I invite viewers—especially curators and cultural caretakers—to look beyond the surface and engage with the layered complexities beneath.

Qrcky’s artistic journey began in the 1970s in southern Virginia, where the art world felt distant from his family’s experience. Still, he was captivated by the visual storytelling of Chuck Jones, the emotional realism of Norman Rockwell, and the meditative techniques of Bob Ross. He spent his youth immersed in cartoons and illustrations, learning to see the world through line, form, and imagination.

Two decades later, amid the emotional weight of a difficult marriage and turbulent relationships, Qrcky reconnected with art, not as a hobby, but as a vital form of self-expression and survival. Choosing solitude, he stepped back from social noise to focus entirely on his creative vision. In that space, he unearthed a voice that speaks through paint, technology, and historical memory.