Pittsburgh-based [Malcolm Xavier](https://www.cohart.com/u/malcolmxavier7) transforms urban fragments and raw emotion into vibrant abstract portraits. Inspired by the energy of the streets and the work of Abstract Expressionists like Bisa Butler, his mixed media pieces challenge viewers to find beauty and resilience within the chaos of lived experience. From high-school dropout to successful graphic designer to acclaimed artist, Malcolm's work embodies the grit and beauty that emerge from unexpected journeys.

Malcom Xavier

##### What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you start your journey?

I always wanted to be some kind of creative. My artistic journey started with coloring on the walls, but I first made money as an artist around the age of 12 when I was painting on shirts. That was the first time I earned money from something creative, and my journey just kept growing from there—from creating album covers to becoming a full-time mixed media artist.

##### What is your favorite medium to work with, and why does it resonate with you?

I love finding ways to be creative with different mediums. Most of this series uses acrylics, oil pastels, gold leaf, and Sharpie markers. I love being a mixed media artist because it gives me the freedom to create based on the emotions I'm trying to convey to the viewer.

##### What role does research play in your artistic process? Do you have a specific method for gathering inspiration?

I'm inspired by my everyday life. American Black culture is the story I love to tell in my artwork. I use books, movies, music, documentaries—anything that can move me emotionally. I love to tell those stories with my art.

##### How has your artistic vision evolved over time, and where do you see it heading in the future?

My artistic vision has become so much more than that 12-13 year old kid could have imagined. Over the last 5-8 years, my creativity and my goals as an artist have changed. I'm at a place now where I feel like my artistic vision is clear on what I want to achieve. I want to share the story of today in a way that highlights ourselves and gives others a view into the world from my perspective.

##### How do you stay motivated and inspired during creative blocks or challenging times?

My therapist gave me the best advice: to stay in my studio. Just stay in the place where you're comfortable creating, and it will come to you. That's a big reason I turned my studio into a streaming and gaming space as well. My studio has become more of my creative Batcave than just the place I paint, and this changed my whole creative process. When a block comes, I relax and just enjoy being in my creative space, and it always helps unlock the next part of the story.

##### How do you balance the commercial aspects of being an artist with your creative vision?

Balancing the commercial aspects with my creative vision is a constant dance, but I've found a rhythm that works for me. It's all about communication and setting boundaries.

##### Does technology play a role in your art-making process?

Tech plays a big part in my art, just like it does in our daily lives. From reference ideas to drafts on my iPad, I lean on tech for every aspect of my business. Social media has been the biggest tool for growing my community of art lovers and collectors.

##### Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you're particularly excited about?

I'm most excited about the new collection I'm sharing exclusively on Cohart. I love what Cohart's amazing team is creating and I'm happy to help share this collection, "8:88," on their platform. This new collection is about American pop culture and how magazines helped shape our culture.

##### How do you approach the concept of success or failure in your art practice?

Life has no failures, only lessons and opportunities. Being a self-taught artist and businessman, I've had many lessons, and from those lessons, I have learned so much. My biggest takeaway is to keep your passion at the forefront and learn from every situation, good or bad.

##### What advice would you give to emerging artists or other artist peers trying to find their voice in the art world?

Keep sharing your story through your art. That's something only you can do. Post, share, and learn to take advantage of technology. And just have fun being part of a community of people who love you for you.

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Inspired by Black culture, Malcolm shares his creative journey from wall art to mixed media, with an emphasis on passion, tech, and community in art.

Spotlight: Malcolm Xavier—Abstract Portraits Born from a Life of Lessons

Spotlight: Malcolm Xavier—Abstract Portraits Born from a Life of Lessons

Malcom Xavier

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