From Murals to Masterpieces: George Jennings' Digital Portraits at ARTE NOIR
In a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with artist George Jennings to discuss his solo exhibit at ARTE NOIR, which showcases powerful portraits of Black women and girls. Trae begins by reflecting on George’s deep connection to art, influenced by his family lineage, particularly his grandfather, John N. Robinson, a renowned artist. George talks about growing up in Washington, D.C., surrounded by art in every household, which instilled in him a natural inclination toward creativity. However, he didn’t immediately pursue art as a career. Instead, he joined the U.S. Air Force after high school, where unexpectedly, his artistic talents were called upon to paint murals during basic training. This serendipitous experience kept his connection to art alive, even while serving in the military.
The conversation takes a deeper dive as George shares how his career evolved post-Air Force. After moving to Seattle with his wife NaKeesa, they both transferred with the Secret Service, and it was here that George rekindled his passion for art. He recalls their early efforts to showcase his work, starting with small local exhibitions and slowly building momentum. They navigated the Seattle art scene together, eventually landing in spaces like the Red Lion Hotel and participating in art festivals across the region. George credits NaKeesa’s support and guidance, as she now serves as his creative director, curating his exhibitions and helping him manage his artistic career.
One of the central points of the interview is George's transition from traditional oil and acrylic painting to digital art. Trae is particularly interested in how this shift occurred and the challenges that came with it. George explains that as he and NaKeesa continued to work full-time, it became difficult to spend long hours in a studio with canvas and paint. Transitioning to digital tools, particularly the iPad, allowed him the flexibility to create art wherever he was, maximizing his time. His current exhibit at ARTE NOIR features 25 pieces, 90% of which were created digitally using his iPad. He describes the unique process of layering colors digitally and how the final artwork, printed on aluminum, gives the appearance of glass. George emphasizes that the women in his portraits are people he personally knows, adding an intimate and personal touch to the collection.
Trae and George also discuss the significance of centering Black women and girls in his work. For George, this focus is a reflection of the influential women in his life, including his grandmother, mother, and sister. He strives to capture the beauty and strength of these women, particularly highlighting those with natural hair. The response to his work, George says, has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from the women who see themselves reflected in his art.
The exhibit at ARTE NOIR featuring George Jennings' work is currently open and will run through February 2025.
Find George on Instagram @therealgeorgejenningsart.
To see more guests like George, tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
