Bio
J Rich is an emerging African American multimedia artist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Having graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's degree in Studio Arts in December 2024, Rich utilizes his own unique cartoon style and vibrant color palette to comment on themes of everyday life, the Black community, interpersonal relationships, and personal experiences. These themes are presented in a variety of mediums, with specialization in medium/large scale acrylic paintings, digital photography, and videography.
Artist Statement
I work with a variety of mediums, including mixed media and videography, but specialize in acrylic painting and photography. The works I create reflect on my experiences and life as a young, Black man in society, while incorporating my longstanding love of cartoon graphics through my use of bold color, pronounced lines, and specific style. The consideration and use of such practices allow me to convey aspects of my friendships/relationships with those around me (ie, friends, family, and peers), in addition to elements of Black culture (including stereotypes, struggles, and modern impacts systems have had on the community, such as “normalized” beauty standards). This is all done through a process of brainstorming, sketching, researching, project outlining, and, lastly, creating for each piece. The messages/reflections presented in my artworks, can most often be easily digested, discussed, and enjoyed by viewers of various demographics, through the cartoon medium and/or vibrant color.
Education
2024 
Bachelor of Arts - University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Resume
Solo Exhibitions
2024 
Channel Surfing 2: Gallery Day - University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Group Exhibitions
2025 
Creating the Past//Creating the Future - Ketchup City Creative, Sharpsburg, PA
Being/Seen - August Wilson Cultural Center, Pittsburgh, PA
2025 Inaugural Offroute Art Biotech Fellowship Showcase - Industrial Arts Workshop, Pittsburgh, PA
Metamorphosis: A Sustainable Art Gallery & Fashion Showcase - Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh, PA
Intermission (Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh) - August Wilson Cultural Center, Pittsburgh, PA
2024
Studio Arts Fall Festival - University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Oat Milk + HXNY - Brew House Arts, Pittsburgh, PA
People Are Afraid of the Talent I Have - Wick Monet Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
​Bodies - Wick Monet Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
Changes with Exposure - University Art Gallery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh - Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA
Pictures at an Exhibition - Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh, PA
2023
Studio Arts Fall Festival - University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Creators Collective Exhibition - University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Awards, Grants, & Residencies
2025 
Radiant Hall Knotzland Residency - Radiant Hall Homewood, Pittsburgh, PA
Honorable Mention for Intermission (Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh) - August Wilson Cultural Center, Pittsburgh, PA
2025 Inaugural Offroute Art Biotech Fellowship - Offroute Art & University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
2024
Curiosity Grant  - University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Summer Undergraduate Research Award - University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Department of Studio Arts Achievement Award - University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
​A.J. Schneider Award - University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Honorable Mention for Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh - Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA
Community Events & Vending
2024
Bob Ross Paint Along (ft. J Rich Studios) - Pitt Pop Art Den; Pittsburgh, PA
The Citizen Science Lab Dream Fest 2024 - The Citizen Science Lab; Pittsburgh, PA
North Side Music Fest 2024 - Redfishbowl; Pittsburgh, PA
2023
PITT ARTS Fest - University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA
Health and Wellness 10th Annual Health Expo/Community Day - Health and Wellness Weekend; Pittsburgh, PA
Autism Urban Connections Inc. 7th Annual Fun Day - Autism Urban Connections Inc.; Pittsburgh, PA
The Citizen Science Lab Dream Fest 2023 - The Citizen Science Lab; Pittsburgh, PA
2022
PITT ARTS Fest - University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA
j_rich_art_resume.pdf
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j_rich_work_resume.pdf
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