Sanman Studios presents the second solo show of work by Sanman Collective’s artist-in-residence, Charles L. Middleton III, popularly known by his moniker RMBRCHARLES. Working primarily in painting, Charles describes himself as an “alchemist of the arts” with passions stretching beyond the canvas into cinematic, photographic, and musical experimentation. Born in San Antonio and raised by an encouraging community of relatives and family friends, Charles developed his passion for creativity at a young age. Having spent his childhood drawing characters, painting came naturally to him.

After a transformative undergraduate experience at Prairie View A&M University, he relocated to Houston in January 2022 to work with Sanman. Following in the footsteps of his father, whose reputation of charisma made a seismic impression on adolescent Charles, the self taught artist creates with the expressed desire to inspire anyone he comes into contact with. Intimate and thought provoking conversations sew the seeds of Charles’ artistic vision.

The resulting works are usually large-scale and imaginative recreations of his real-life experiences. Stirring portraits of real or imagined figures are situated within sweeping blocks of color. Poetic titles precede the compositions and help set the emotional tone for their creation. Charles’ intricately rendered charcoal drawings and intentionally unfinished oil paintings mirror the incomplete nature of his sitters and their journeys. Forms in his more recent works are reminiscent of the ghostly silhouettes done by Black art pioneers Bill Traylor (1853–1949)and Kara Walker. As part of his residency with Sanman Studios, Charles' work has entered more than 10 private collections across the nation. RMBR is a snapshot of his development, featuring more than 30 new paintings. In this presentation, Remember Charles captures the spirits of his community and celebrates an artistic rebirth. The exhibition aims to introduce new people to his world and encourage new ways of seeing and being.

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