Meet Steve R. Allen | Internationally Acclaimed Artist and Philanthropist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steve R. Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steve R., what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success has been, and continues to be, perserverance. There have been ups and downs, mainly financial, since I began my art career but that didn’t deter me. With determination I continued creating the artwork and I have ultimately achieved success. This takes the form of my work being presented at eight Olympic Games and acquired by the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) as part of its Founding and Permanent Collection. I’ve also had my work exhibited internationally on a number of occasions.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At this stage of my career my work is centered on “Fractals and Afrofuturism”. I’ll reference Dr. Tamara Holmes-Brothers’ explanation of my work from my most recent exhibition “Ancestral Origins, The Fractal Vision of Steve R. Allen”.

“The ancient wisdom of fractals derives from Africa as it was a commonly used technology by people and civilizations throughout history. Bringing together a range of works that vary in this self-similarity from figurative works to digital imagery – Allen’s illustrations create opportunities for the beauty of the most extraordinary scenes to pull the viewer into new landscapes.

The knowledge and understanding of fractals and Afrofuturism provide pathways that unlock the doors to successfully administering his designs. Allen’s vision exists in combining history and fantasy to explore African American experiences aimed to connect those from the Black diaspora with their historically excluded African ancestry.

This series reveals the essence of intentionality within his works. Steve R. Allen’s art aligns with his mission to expose the variety of visual contributions of African American artists to students, scholars, and collectors. As African American artists are more visible now than ever, this exhibition will serve as an encouragement to both exhibit and acquire works from marginalized audiences. Therefore, advocating that future generations study a much broader, more inclusive, and richer art history.”

Tamara Holmes-Brothers, PhD

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is an interesting question/scenario for a person “my age”. As I write this I’m 69. I first arrived in Atlanta when I was 18 years of age, I returned at 38 years of age in 1992. With this in mind I would lean towards the historic nature of Atlanta.

In my time in Atlanta I’ve been blessed to meet/interact with many icons of the Civil Rights Movement, the great Rev. Dr. C. T. Vivian, Ambassador Andrew Young, Mr. Henry “Hank” Aaron and others come to mind. I truly and freely acknowledge that without their work and sacrifices I would not be in the position I am today.

With regards to eating establishments, there are many places to choose from. I like a broad range of cuisines and Atlanta can provide that if you’re willing to move around the metro area. There are historic restaurants as well as new places opening frequently. When I learn of such places I try to see what is offered and if things are good I’ll revisit.

Atlanta as a whole is an interesting place, I love the city, its people and the culture.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My ability to create/paint full time is the direct result of support, financial and otherwise, provided by my mother Rev. Dr. Rebecca Bowden Allen Johnson, and eldest brother Arthur Lee Allen. Their support was critical to my success.

Website: www.steverallengallery.com, www.steverallenfoundation.org

Instagram: @steverallenart

Facebook: steve allen, Steve R Allen Art, Steve R. Allen Foundation Inc., Steve R. Allen Gallery

Image Credits
Steve R. Allen © All Rights Reserved