ALONZO ADAMS, BORN IN HARLEM, RAISED IN PLAINFIELD, NJ

Alonzo Adams was born in 1961 in Harlem, New York, and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, by his loving mother. His passion for art was ignited and nurtured from the vibrant streets of Plainfield to the country roads of North Carolina and was further enriched by his travels to Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe. These experiences exposed him to diverse cultures and artistic influences, shaping his worldview and deepening his connection to his heritage. Through his dedication to capturing the beauty and dignity of everyday Black experiences along with his duty to use his gift to speak out on social justice issues for African Americans, Alonzo has made an indelible mark on contemporary figurative art. 

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Inspired by artistic greats such as Charles White, Henry Ossawa Tanner, L’Hermitte, John Singer Sargent, and Rembrandt, Alonzo’s journey as an artist was marked by critical mentorships and pivotal opportunities. He credits Dr. David Driskell, a pioneering scholar and artist, for providing invaluable mentorship early in his career, which helped define his direction and goals as an artist. A transformative fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, funded by Dr. William Cosby, introduced Alonzo to the medium of oil painting, profoundly shaping his artistic style. Alonzo went on to earn a BFA from Mason Gross School of Art at Rutgers University and an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania, grounding his talent in formal education and expanding his mastery of figurative art.

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Recently, Alonzo Adams has achieved several significant milestones in his career. He celebrated his first museum exhibition at the Zimmerli Art Museum, a prestigious recognition of his work’s cultural and artistic significance. Additionally, Alonzo’s art was featured in a museum exhibition at Rutgers Camden, highlighting his contributions to contemporary art. Beyond the gallery walls, he was commissioned by the city of Plainfield to create a mural, further cementing his connection to his hometown. Notably, Alonzo was also entrusted with a mural commission of the iconic Paul Robeson at the Rutgers football stadium, honoring the legacy of one of Rutgers' most renowned alumni and amplifying Alonzo’s own impact on the institution and community. These recent accomplishments underscore Alonzo’s continued influence and evolving legacy in the art world.

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With over 25 years as a professional artist, Alonzo has received numerous accolades and awards in prestigious art exhibitions across the country. His work, celebrated for its vibrant and emotionally resonant depictions of African American life, has been recognized in various publications, including Art Business News, Black Enterprise, Images Magazine, Upscale Magazine, and ESPN Magazine. He considers fatherhood as his most important accolade as he takes pride in being a supportive father to his oldest son Jaylen Adams and youngest son and rising artist, Kyle Olani Adams. Through their legacy collaboration, Kyle and Alonzo continue to foster an intergenerational dialogue through their artistic relationship as father and son.

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Today, Alonzo continues to create and exhibit his work, remaining committed to his mission of representing and celebrating the richness of the African American experience through art. His legacy as an artist, mentor, and cultural storyteller endures, inspiring new generations of artists and collectors.