David Wilson's Page

Born and raised in West Virginia, David Wilson explores his life and heritage through his creative gift. While an undergraduate at Hampton University in Hampton, VA, Wilson’s artistic talent was encouraged and nurtured by internationally acclaimed painter, teacher and philosopher, Dr. John Biggers. In 1997, Wilson was signed to ESSENCE Art (ESSENCE Magazine) for offset reproductions of his original works. Two years later he was commissioned to create a mural honoring Durham, North Carolina’s historic black neighborhood, Old Hayti. This mural served as a turning point for his career as a public artist, garnering him recognition throughout the region and multiple commissions.

In 2009, Wilson received a commission to create a 500 square foot laminated art glass mural for the Harvey B. Gantt Center in Charlotte, NC. Through colorful, abstract metaphors and symbols, Wilson pays homage to Charlotte’s African American community. Wilson says,
“My art serves as an entry point into a greater understanding of self and my rich heritage. It is during the process of creation that I realize my ability to stop time and shape reality into my own personal and universal metaphors…While these metaphors manifest in black, I create for interpretation by everyone. My goal is to inspire introspection, education and communication.”

Wilson’s current series looks to push the boundaries of art in the digital realm. His photomontages are inspired by notable collage artists like Bearden, Braque and Gris. In some aspects, Wilson places more emphasis on the concept and process over the end result of the piece. Striving to achieve balance between the incongruous and the ordinary. Other works are intensely detailed examinations of the how the computer software can push the boundaries of image editing to create compositions that rival the traditional methods of painting.
A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Wilson’s works have been exhibited nationally and internationally, as well included in notable private and celebrity collections of Actresses Ruby Dee, Phylicia Rashaad, Debbie Allen and, NBA star Baron Davis (Golden State Warriors) and ESPN Sports Anchor, Stuart Scott.