Rik Freeman

I began my career as an Artist / Muralist in 1989 here in Washington, DC, and my studio and home are located in a far corner of Ward 7 in NE DC. I have been fortunate enough to have received numerous Commission, Awards, Fellowships, and have a strong exhibition history including a well received and critically acclaimed 3 year, 7 State, 7 Venue Tour of my series “The Chittlin Circuit Review”, which is based on the origins and evolution of Blues Music. Through this “success” I know of commitment and the appreciation of moral and economic support.

My philosophy and style of art are rooted in my formative years, 60’s – 70’s, in Athens, GA, a narrative or storytelling style of painting based on overheard grown folks stories, but also influenced by the socio – political times of the era. My mural work follows that train of thought & style, while focusing on neighborhood or community history and visual elements, and at all times remaining open to and seeking knowledge to reflect and convey this character. Several of these murals are located East of the River, including my most recent in 2011 – 12 “Learn from Your Past”, and “Honor Yourselves” both at H. D. Woodson High School, and “Knowledge” at the Dorothy I. Height Library in 2011, as well as the longstanding “100 Years of Black History” on Nannie Helen Burroughs AVE NE.

My current series of oils “BAHIA !” (in progress) stays true to these elements, along with my familiar use of color, form, movement, and composition. This series itself is partly based on a Residency I did in 2011 at Instituto Sacatar in Itaparica, Brazil, in Bahia State, but fundamentally on the culture and contributions of Afro Brazilian Peoples, drawing comparisons to shared history with Afro American People, particularly between Samba and the Blues, with both music’s having a great impact on their respective cultures, but World culture as well, and I do consider this series as a sister to my earlier mentioned “The Chittlin Circuit Review”. As I said this series, “BAHIA !”, is in progress with much more work and research to do, and as in all my work, done hopefully to create a painting that engages a viewer with sight, emotion, and thought.

As a person and an Artist my life and work have been impacted upon by community and in return my work or art itself has impacted my community, and how if awarded the East of the River Distinguished Artist Award, how that would impact my current work and career, but most importantly my life has taught me the early values of a strong work ethic and a learned dedication to purpose lead to a life … blessed but challenged!!