DC muralist Clarence James uses America’s ongoing (and loud) national narrative as his inspiration.
Clarence James (@clarencejamesart) is forever poking around in the shadows to find inspiration.
The DC street artist, whose work will appear at Miami’s Art Basel (artbasel.com/miamibeach), says his biggest muse is America’s multilayered history and culture. “I’m particularly drawn to hidden figures in history,” says James, whose work is in DTR Modern Galleries (@dtrmodern) in DC, New York, Boston, Palm Beach and Nantucket. “There’s so much Black history in America that’s often removed or obscured. Black cowboys, for example, have inspired me for a few years. I’ve been working on incorporating that aesthetic into decor through artwork, canvas pieces and sculpture.”
To those who see Washington depicted in films or the news, the city seems like an amalgam of politics, intrigue and the military-industrial complex. But for those who live and grew up here, those characterizations ring false. For James, DC is home and a way to connect with boundless inspiration. “DC popularized the term Chocolate City for many, including myself, and it’s always been a place where I feel the presence of Black people and our influence on America,” he says. “In DC, you see both the highs and lows of city demographics, which has always been evident to me.”
DC artist Clarence James says his current work touches on the themes of George Orwell’s 1984
James says his current work touches on the themes of George Orwell’s 1984, bringing in elements of dystopian vision while maintaining an optimistic outlook on the future. “I encourage people to have open minds and hearts, using empathy above all. I see us as individuals who are part of a collective existence, all connected as one,” he says.
The artist says he’s excited about reaching more people and making an even greater impact in 2025. “I want a larger platform to drive positive change,” James says. “I believe we can solve the problems we face—like poverty, disease and suffering—and focus on evolving our experience here on Earth.”
Photography by: CLARENCE JAMES
