Portrait of Melvin L. Nesbitt Jr.
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Melvin L. Nesbitt Jr.

Painting, Paper / Book / Illustration, Visual / Media

Artist Statement

Melvin Nesbitt Jr.
I am a Baltimore-based artist recognized for expressive painted paper collages that explore themes of childhood, memory, race, and community. Influenced by the celebratory imagery of artists like Ernie Barnes, Johnny Lee Gray, and William H. Johnson, I center children in my work—capturing everyday moments of American life with warmth and emotional depth.
Having grown up in a low-income neighborhood in South Carolina, I draw from personal memory to construct layered narratives that reflect the complexities of race, poverty, and joy in Black communities. I combine painted surfaces with paper collage to evoke the texture of lived experience and the power of place and identity. Through a distinct visual language, I try to expand the boundaries of collage and narrative art, offering a poignant, joyful, and reflective lens on African American life.

About the Artist

Melvin Nesbitt Jr is a Baltimore based visual storyteller exploring the American experiences of Black youth. Born on June 19, 1973 in South Carolina, much of his childhood was spent in the Spartanburg housing project, “Tobe Hartwell,” an experience that has directly influenced his artistic practice today. Through painted paper collage, he portrays the joyful innocence of his younger years, as a child in the late 1970’s and early 1980s. While a poignant examination of race and poverty in contemporary society, his work’s inherent nostalgia resonates with people of all ages inspiring a deeper sense of community. Nesbitt is a two-time recipient of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellowship (FY21 and FY22) and a DC Art Bank grantee. His original works have been acquired for public art collections in DC public schools, government buildings, hotels, libraries, and universities. He also illustrated the children’s book, “A Beard Like My Dad”. Nesbitt’s work has gained acclaim with an extensive exhibition history at institutions including the Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Art (MOCADA), an Art Bank grantee, and a recent fellow of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.  Melvin Nesbitt Jr. Is represented by Hemphill Artworks in Washington D.C.

Featured Work

Photos

64"x72" painted paper collage on canvas "On My Honor" (reflects my upbringing as a Southern Baptist, where the church played a pivotal role in fostering strong community and family bonds. For kids like me, church life was more than just worship; it provided a wealth of social activities that enriched our childhood experiences. At Foster’s Chapel Baptist in Roebuck, South Carolina, my father's family church, there were opportunities for sports, such as the church’s softball team, as well as Vacation Bible School every summer and occasional road trips. One of my favorite activities was being involved in the Scouts, which, at the time, was called "WEBELOS." However, since I lived far from my father’s church, I attended Boy Scouts at the nearest church to our apartment complex. The image I’ve created is based on a memory of Picture Day for our troop. Having recently joined, I was eager to participate, but my mother couldn’t afford to buy my uniform in time for the photos. Despite this, I attended the meeting that day because one of the first things a troop leader told me was, “Never miss a meeting. You will miss something important.” As I worked on this piece, I couldn’t help but reflect on a somber thought: how many children avoid extracurricular activities because they can’t afford the associated fees? This question lingers, reminding me of the barriers that can prevent kids from engaging in valuable experiences that foster growth, connection, and joy.
Much like the beloved ice cream truck that would roll through the neighborhood on hot summer days, the Bookmobile was a welcome and cherished sight in our public housing complex. Sponsored by the Spartanburg County Public Library, it was driven by a young man from our own community who brought the magic of stories right to our doorstep. With its bright colors and cheerful presence, the Bookmobile became a symbol of both learning and joy.Whenever the familiar van parked near the playground or at the community center, a crowd of children would quickly gather, drawn by the promise of new adventures waiting between the pages of books. The driver, with a warm smile, would often take a moment to read aloud from a freshly selected title, his voice bringing characters and worlds to life as we listened, wide-eyed and spellbound.We eagerly signed up for library cards and formed a steady rhythm of checking out and returning books, filling our hands with stories that transported us to faraway places and times. The Bookmobile wasn’t just a vehicle—it was a portal to another world, where each visit was an opportunity to discover something new.Its sides were adorned with vibrant murals, images of celebrated Black authors like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, alongside beloved children's classics from the late 1970s. These painted scenes served as a tribute to the rich literary heritage that shaped our community, reminding us that we too could be a part of the ongoing story of Black voices in literature. The Bookmobile, with its colorful design and the tales it brought, became an emblem of knowledge, creativity, and possibility in our lives.
Painted paper and newspaper collage on canvas
Painted Paper collage and new spare on canvas