Today we’d like to introduce you to Qadir Parris.
Hi Qadir, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I would say I was destined for this path, but that would undermine the hard work that has brought me here. I grew up creating art, which later evolved into various forms of media that allow me to express my ideas and passions. Growing up in an art-oriented family—with my mom having a theater background and my father being a visual artist—came with high expectations that I had to meet at a young age. All that pressure shaped me into the man I am today and the artist my younger self aspired to be.
In visual arts, my paintings tell stories and explore universal themes. My fashion endeavors reflect my love for textiles and patterns, as I strive to create something unique with a high-quality approach. Finally, through film, I have the opportunity to build entirely new worlds, incorporating all the elements of creation that I love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The challenges I faced were a mix of internal and external factors. Initially, I struggled to balance school and leisure; when I first entered high school, I wasn’t fully focused on my studies, which ultimately came back to haunt me. After almost getting kicked out of New World School of the Arts for failing my academic classes, I realized I needed to take charge and turn things around.
When COVID happened, I found myself away from my friends and the distractions of the outside world, which turned out to be a blessing. It allowed me to create my first body of work, which I later used to apply to various colleges. However, the physical challenges I encountered didn’t outweigh the mental struggles I was navigating. I had to understand my situation as a whole, not just in isolated parts, which motivated me to work harder on my art and craft.
My parents informed me that I would have to pay for my education because they couldn’t afford it. This motivated me to secure over $2 million in scholarships from colleges I applied to, so they wouldn’t have to sacrifice anything for my education. Looking back, I’ve always had an independent mindset as I grew up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Let me share my Artist Statement:
My artwork delves into and reinterprets the intricate spaces that Black communities inhabit within society. Drawing deeply from my familial and ancestral ties, my artistic practice harnesses the transformative essence of energy-both palpable and abstract-to confront limiting narratives and reimagine our shared environments.
Growing up in the vibrant tapestry of Miami, I was immersed in a rich mosaic of colors, cultures, and rhythms that profoundly influenced my worldview and creative expression. My artistic journey traverses various mediums, including painting, filmmaking, installation, and clothing design. Each piece is anchored in the belief that art possesses the capacity to embody energy, memory, and the shared experiences that arise from gathering and celebration. Through the use of dynamic patterns, vivid colors, and diverse materials-such as textiles and thread-I craft immersive works that not only reflect cultural heritage but also foster spaces for collective dialogue and reflection.
Incorporating family archival photographs not only grounds my work in deeply personal history but also elevates these memories into potent design elements. A transformative moment occurred when my grandmother shared, “You know your grandfather loved Miles Davis.”
This seemingly simple revelation unlocked a new realm of connection-leading me to discover his cherished vinyl records-and emphasized how our spaces can serve as conduits to reveal and honor the unseen dimensions of our identity.
My work frequently underscores the universal experiences that bind us as humans-especially moments of gathering, joy, and celebration. By harmonizing filmmaking and painting within immersive installations, I invite viewers into environments that evoke profound connection and emotional resonance. My father, a dedicated artist and entrepreneur, profoundly influenced my creative journey and is rooted in themes of legacy, freedom, and the transformative power of creativity. I adhere to the guiding principle: “never be a one-trick pony but a Jack of all trades.”
To answer your last two questions, I am most proud of my heritage, which has guided me to the roots of my people. As a Panamanian, I deeply understand the journey my grandfather took to make a life in the United States. My father also left his home in search of a better life after Hurricane Hugo devastated the Virgin Islands. Additionally, my grandmother, raised in Starkville, Mississippi, taught me to appreciate the simpler joys that can be found even during times when racism and prejudice were prominent in our country.
What sets me apart from others is something I still haven’t fully understood. However, I would honestly say that the energy I possess and the spirit that can be felt in my work is unique. It evokes a shared feeling in our hearts as humans. I have the ability to connect with that feeling and encourage my audience to embrace vulnerability regarding the topics I discuss or even share their own experiences. I’ve always had a strong desire to create art, and that desire is a flame that cannot be extinguished.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
They can always reach out to me. I’m open to conversations; collaborations don’t always have to result in an end product. The words we share are also a form of support. To support me is to share my work; don’t gatekeep. Please share whatever aspect of my art inspires you or makes you feel something.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://qadirparris.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qp.artz/
- Other: https://www.jatcobrand.com
