Jamaal Pettway
Artist, Designer, Musician, Creator
about
Jamaal is a multidisciplinary artist from Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Georgia State University where he obtained his BFA in Textiles. He is also a part of the Gee’s Bend Quilting guild. He is also the designer and creator of Babel Falls; a high-fashion brand. He is an elementary art teacher who shares his joy in Art with his students. Jamaal uses garment construction, sculpture, and other mediums and techniques to convey utopic visualizations as well as to combat societal practices.
Current location
Atlanta, Georgia
artist statement
Throughout my life society has left me yearning for more. More than it can ever offer me; I’m afraid to admit. Specifically speaking, I’ve always wanted more from those who make our society’s rules and norms. This includes politicians and simply those with influence. I believe in accountability and responsibility in their entirety. That is why in my work, I wrestle with the idea of what we as humans say that we want and what we truly desire. I choose to give myself these “prompts” to respond to in accordance with the obstacle at hand. I respond to the obstacle in the best way possible, using all forms of medium. It is important to me to be flexible with my expressions so that I can be someone who has answers, not just trivial conversations that seldom ascertain a solution. The process that I take when creating my work is detrimental to me. When I am producing works, it is somewhat ritualistic and holy in a sense. All the skills that I have attained come into play as if they are tools for a surgeon. The materials I use are also important. In the context of the art community, I choose to vehemently identify as a textile artist. My use of textiles and fabric starts with my family. I am a member of the Gee’s Bend Quilters Guild with an innate enjoyment for sewing and craft making. With that being stated I like to consider myself a Political Designer. Propaganda, corruption, and collision run amok. But this is all by design. I have a goal to redesign the landscape that we all inhabit so that everyone can live harmoniously. The human experience is truly like no other. It’s what fuels my rabid curiosity. The life we live comes with no instructions or directions on how to enjoy life; or if you’re even supposed to. Subsequent to my own existentialism, I do believe that it’s important to do what makes you happy. Helping people, being a voice for the marginalized, and being a resource for those in need is what enthrall me most!
Jamaal Pettway 