ARTfactory to Feature DC Native William Kennedy in Solo Art Exhibit “Beyond the Surface”
Exhibit dates: January 31 – March 1, 2025
Artist Reception: February 1, 6-8 pm
(Sponsored by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.)
9419 Battle St, Manassas, Free & open to the public
View the artwork of William Kennedy and enjoy light refreshments.
RSVP: https://www.virginiaartfactory.org/events/william-kennedy-artist-reception/
“Beyond the Surface”
“Beyond the Surface” presents recent works by contemporary figurative painter, William Kennedy that aim to explore and express the emotional depth and complexity of black male figures. Kennedy challenges the often-one-dimensional perceptions of black men by portraying their vulnerabilities alongside their strengths in his artwork. His paintings reflect his own experiences as a 37-year-old black man, and they seek to provoke thought, inviting viewers to engage with the unseen emotions that lie beneath the surface. Each piece delves into the featured figures inner world, capturing both the softness and resilience that define their existence. Kennedy works primarily with acrylic paint, applying it to both canvas and wood panels, where he finds the texture and depth of these materials allow for greater emotional resonance in his work.
Ultimately, Kennedy’s art is an introspective journey, not only for himself, but for those who view it. Kennedy wants his audience to see that black men are more than the stereotypes and societal expectations placed upon them. They are multifaceted individuals with rich inner lives, and through his art, he seeks to tell their stories.
About the Artist
Born in 1987 in SE Washington, DC, William’s creativity started at a young age by simply drawing any and everything around him. At the age of 10, he moved to New Bedford, MA, where his focus shifted to sports, while still drawing in his spare time. Although William took art classes throughout his school years, art was never really thought of as more than a hobby. It was only later in life that Kennedy realized his natural talents would lead him to be the self-made artist he is today. As a self-taught artist, he became a freelance designer and illustrator, working as such for the past 10 years. A little over a year ago, he shifted to Contemporary Painting and Portraiture, which has become his primary focus. Using acrylic on canvas and charcoal on paper/canvas, a lot of his work focuses on urban culture, with each piece having its own meaning. His work has been exhibited in numerous exhibitions in galleries and museums, including the Brick Lane Gallery in London, the Liberal Arts Gallery in Michigan, and the New Bedford Art Museum and Narrows Center for the Arts in Massachusetts.