Central Artist Corner presents Manifesto Vol. I: Counter Narratives

About Manifesto Vol. I: Counter Narratives (Counter Narratives):

Manifesto, Vol. I: Counter-Narratives is the inaugural exhibition of a curatorial series that examines contemporary Black artistic expression through a succession of thematic declarations. Each volume serves as a chapter in an evolving manifesto—an ongoing exploration of how Black artists, particularly black male artists, define themselves, preserve memory, challenge convention, and imagine new cultural futures. It is curated by mixed-media artist J. Stacey Grayson, a former and recurring resident of the Central Artist Corner program. Read more about J. Stacey Grayson here, opens a new window.

Counter-Narratives brings together three Black male artists whose individual practices offer distinct yet interconnected responses to the historical and contemporary narratives surrounding Black identity. Rather than presenting a singular perspective, the exhibition embraces multiplicity, demonstrating that there is no monolithic Black experience—only richly layered stories shaped by history, place, memory, imagination, and lived experience.

Working in different visual languages and mediums, the 3 artists reclaim authorship over their own narratives and given the freedom to imagine limit-free. Their work challenges inherited assumptions, reevaluates familiar images, and expands the visual discourse surrounding Black masculinity, cultural memory, and self-representation. Together, these artists do more than question existing narratives—they construct new ones.

Counter-Narratives affirms that contemporary Black artists are not simply responding to history—they are actively shaping it. By bringing together three Black male artists with distinctive artistic voices, the exhibition demonstrates that representation alone is not the goal. The greater imperative is authorship: the ability to define oneself, preserve one’s own history, and contribute new narratives to the broader cultural landscape.

As the first volume of Manifesto Vol. I: Counter-Narratives introduces an opportunity for self-identification, it also establishes a platform for future exhibitions that continue to examine the evolving intersections of art, identity, history, and culture through the work of contemporary Black artists. This exhibition is not a conclusion.

Manifesto Vol. I: Counter Narratives is on display in the lower-level Alcove Gallery from October 5, 2026 through January 23, 2027. Visit Central Library on October 5th during business hours for the Open House viewing of this exhibition.

John Chase Campbell is a mixed-media artist who blends painting with other media. A Cincinnati, Ohio, native, Campbell discovered his passion for art early and has dedicated his career to creative practice, education, and cultural engagement. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Georgia, Campbell spent more than 30 years as an educator, including teaching many of Fulton County Schools' most accomplished students in the nationally recognized Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program at Tri-Cities High School. Campbell earned a Master of Arts in Art Education from Georgia State University, where his research focused on artmaking as a practice of self-care. He is a sought-after presenter whose work highlights the transformative power of creativity in education and community life. Campbell maintains an active studio practice, creating mixed-media works that explore community, memory, identity, and material culture. His artwork has been exhibited nationally, featured in a nationally televised commercial, and is held in private collections across the United States. He also illustrates children's books and pursues furniture restoration and design through Comfort Couture Upholstery.

"I create mixed-media works that I call constructions—pieces that blur the boundary between what is real and what is rendered. I consider myself a storyteller. My work is rooted in visual narrative, affirming positive images of my immediate community while reinforcing the cultural connections between Africa and the African diaspora. I return to these themes as a deliberate response to the abundance of negative portrayals of melanated people in American culture, offering images that celebrate resilience, dignity, and shared history. My constructions combine painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and found objects to create richly textured surfaces where material and image work together to deepen meaning. Each element is intentionally layered to invite viewers to look closely and consider the stories embedded within the work. Through my art, I seek to foster dialogue and build community. I hope each piece serves as an invitation for viewers to engage with perspectives that may differ from their own and to recognize the connections that bind us through history, culture, and shared humanity."

Connect with John on Instagram @johnchasecampbellartist, opens a new window.

Cyrus A. Nelson is an abstract with some uses of mixed-media. He began creating artwork at a very young age. He started developing a sense of creativity that has transitioned into the design world. Cyrus holds two degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design with a minor in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development from Savannah College of Art and Design. His compositions combine and create a union of textures, shapes, patterns, and colors that capture a metaphysical essence in his paintings. Nelson's inspirations come from social interactions throughout his personal life, music, art, and family. Cyrus' artistic journey has been marked by exploring various mediums and styles, showcasing his versatility as a creator. His work often blurs the lines between traditional and digital art, reflecting his background in graphic design and interactive media. As he looks toward the future, Cyrus remains committed to pushing the boundaries of his creativity, constantly seeking new ways to express the intricate tapestry of human experience through his art.

"My work explores Black and Indigenous culture through a contemporary aesthetic. Using vibrant color, layered textures, and dynamic forms, I create visual narratives that celebrate heritage, identity, movement, and cultural connection. My work bridges ancestral traditions and modern expression, inviting viewers into a rich and evolving dialogue between past and present."

Connect with Cyrus on Instagram @cynelsonart, opens a new window, Facebook at Cyrus Nelson Art, opens a new window, his website www.cyrusnelsonart.com, opens a new window, and email cyrusnelsonart@gmail.com, opens a new window.

Lee Wynn is a painter specializing in oil on canvas. He is known as the “Art Snob.” He started painting in late 2010 by happenstance, not knowing that he had the knack for painting, but it was a wonderful blessing to discover. His medium of choice is oil on canvas as well as mixed media, which is a balance of oil and acrylic, respectively. His artwork is influenced by his love of Black History, Jazz Music, and African Culture. Whenever he picks up a paintbrush to record his thoughts on canvas, his mission is to tell a story through the brushstrokes. He is a new member of South Cobb Art Alliance. They gave him his first opportunity to show his artwork in a public setting which also led to a solo exhibition at North Cobb Region Library. He currently has artwork being exhibited at the Smyrna Community Center along with other talented artists. He looks forward to continuing his art journey alongside other artists in hope to push the thing we all love called “Art” forward.

"My paintings explore significant moments in Black history through a lens that is both reflective and celebratory. Inspired by the spirit and improvisational rhythm of jazz, I use bold compositions and vibrant, intentional color to breathe new life into historical narratives, inviting viewers to experience the emotion, resilience, and cultural richness embedded within each story. Every painting serves as both a visual record and a conversation starter. Rather than simply revisiting the past, I strive to create work that encourages reflection, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of the Black experience. My hope is that each canvas inspires meaningful conversations that extend beyond the artwork itself, fostering connection, curiosity, and an ongoing appreciation for the history that continues to shape our collective future."

Connect with Lee on Instagram @theurbanpaintbrush, opens a new window and email urbanpaintbrush821@gmail.com, opens a new window.