“Creativity requires evolution” - Bart Cooper
Buchanan, Liberia b. 1978
Barthelomew (Bart) Cooper is a contemporary artist based in Los Angeles, California, with roots in West Africa, Liberia. From a young age, Cooper was inspired by the vibrant colors and breathtaking scenery of his homeland, leading him to visually record the world around him. In the face of civil war, Cooper immigrated to the United States at the young age of six years old. Where he would later study fine art, sculpture, and graphic design.
Cooper's work is heavily influenced by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci, American illustrator Norman Rockwell, and American artist Ernie Barnes. His signature mixed medium, acrylic style merges traditional African values with a westernized American culture, and has gained him a number of celebrity clients and private collectors both nationally and internationally.
In Cooper's own words, "I am a creator, put here to challenge physical, mental, and spiritual growth through my art. The foundation of my work is all about the message of love. Each piece engages in a conversation with the viewer's soul, provokes thought, changes the narrative, and inspires evolution." Cooper's work is a reflection of his own experiences growing up with customary African values in a westernized American culture, and invites viewers to engage with and consider the intersections between tradition and technology.
CV
Exhibitions:
2024: Group Exhibition - “future Memory,” College of the Desert, Palm Desert, CA.
2023: Solo Exhibition - "DNA," The Know Contemporary, Los Angeles, CA.
2023: Group Exhibition- “Our Celebration of Stevie Wonder” Andaz Hotel, West Hollywood, CA.
2022: Solo Exhibition - "Purple Series," Alvin But Gallery, Bethlehem, PA.
2022: Solo Exhibition - "Heroes: My Heroes Actually Have Real Super Powers," The Crayola Gallery, Bethlehem, PA.
2019: Group Exhibition - "Purple Series," MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) Cleveland, Cleveland, OH.
2017: Solo Exhibition - "3rd Purple Series: Indigo," Los Angeles, CA.
2016: Solo Exhibition - "2nd Purple Series," Maxwell Dickson Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
2015: Solo Exhibition - "1st Purple Series," Maxwell Dickson Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
2014: Group Exhibition - "Emotions," Black Stone Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
2013: Group Exhibition - Los Angeles Artist Collective, Los Angeles, CA.
Press:
2024: Featured in LA Weekly “Meet an Artist Monday”
2023: Featured in Billboard Magazine for Dionne Warwick and Dolly Parton's "Peace Like a River" album covers.
2023: Featured in LA Times “Celebration of Stevie Wonder”
2023: Revealed the single cover artwork for Dionne Warwick and Dolly Parton's "Peace Like a River" on Good Morning America.
2022: Interviewed on Courageous Conversations Television at PBS.
2022: Interviewed on WFMZ Channel 69 News for "Heroes" exhibit in Bethlehem, PA.
2022: Featured in an article on LehighValley Live for "Heroes" art workshop with Whitehall grad Bart Cooper.
2022: Featured on WFMZ Channel 69 News for bringing a workshop to Whitehall High.
2022: Featured on WFMZ Channel 69 News for returning to Whitehall High after designing the Musikfest Poster.
2022: Faces Int., ArtsQuest, and United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley announce "Heroes" exhibition.
2022: Featured in ESSENCE Magazine, discussing the capturing of favorite Black icons.
2020: Interviewed in ESSENCE Magazine for the 50th Anniversary issue.
Corporate Collaborations and Commissions:
2023: Artwork acquired by Allentown, PA City Hall, Bethlehem, PA City Hall, and Easton, PA City Hall.
2022: Collaboration with ArtsQuest Musikfest.
2022: Collaboration with PBS.
2018: Collaboration with Dutch Masters Cigar.
2018: Collaboration with BET.
2017: Collaboration with Motions Hair Product.
2015: Collaboration with E! Entertainment.
Selected Achievements:
2023: Emmy 2023 Award Winner
Title: My Heroes Actually Have Real Super Powers, Category: Arts/Entertainment - Short Form Content
2023: Signed and numbered artwork "Heroes" (48x48) acquired by Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton Pennsylvania City Halls.
2022: "Heroes" Art Exhibition community program, including artist talks, tours, lectures on social justice, and racial equity.
2020: Featured in cover spread of ESSENCE Magazine's 50th Anniversary issue.