Jamal Thorne is an African American artist from Maryland with a reputation for visually captivating drawings and mixed media collages. His artistic journey began at the age of 15 as a graffiti artist, igniting a lifelong passion for creative expression. Graduating from Morgan State University in Baltimore with a degree in fine art, Jamal further cultivated his artistic identity by pursuing a master’s degree in fine arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Art and Northeastern University. After graduating in 2012, Jamal was awarded the Joan Mitchell Grant for painting.

Jamal Thorne currently serves as a dedicated art and design professor at Northeastern University, all the while maintaining an active studio practice in the city of Boston. His body of work predominantly centers around his personal experiences as a black male, delving into themes of identity performance, consumption habits, and the emotional labor inherent in everyday life. Initially focused on drawing in charcoal and graphite, Jamal’s artistic style has since evolved into multilayered collages that blend drawings of cultural iconography, found materials, and acrylic paint.

Jamals latest creative endeavors delve deeper into the connection between generational trauma and identity, inviting viewers to engage in a profound exploration of the human experience. Through his artistic vision and technical skill, Jamal Thorne hopes to provoke dialogue, challenge societal norms, and inspire a new generation of artists.