Russell Craig
Brooklyn, NY
Russell Craig received the Creative Capital Award in 2024. Russell Craig (b. 1980, Philadelphia, PA) is a self-taught Brooklyn-based artist. Craig is the co-founder of Right of Return, USA, the first national fellowship dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated artists. Craig is also a board member of the Center for Art and Advocacy. Craig’s work is a part of the Brooklyn Museum’s permanent collection and has been featured in institutional exhibitions including Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration at MoMA PS1; an installation at the Philadelphia African American Museum; Truth to Power as part of the 2016 Democratic National Convention; State Goods: Art in the Era of Mass Incarceration, a collaboration with the Center for Justice at Columbia University; and Blood, Sweat, and Tears, his first solo exhibition, at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Craig has recently won an Emmy for Best Art Documentary for his feature in MTV’s Art and Krimes by Krimes. Craig’s work has also been featured in group exhibitions at Martos Gallery, Aperture Gallery, and Malin Gallery. Dark Reflections at Malin Gallery was Craig’s first solo exhibition in New York City.
The Lost Tribe
Russell Craig is a Philadelphia born, Brooklyn-based artist and activist.
Artist BioThe Lost Tribe project will be a series of work that Russell Craig has previously created as well as new work exploring the African Diaspora. The idea of The Lost Tribe is based around a group of people who were displaced and separated to different countries where they ultimately lost their identity and culture due to oppression. This work reflects the history of slavery by incorporating the reality of black people in America and how we have been subsequently displaced through mass incarceration, the destruction of families, limited funding and resources in our communities, and the systematic oppression we face.
The Lost Tribe will be a traveling exhibit highlighting the inhumane treatment of black people in America. Craig will have the exhibit displayed in various public community centers around the country and invite the public to engage with the work. There will be an open discussion with local activists to further connect the people to the issue where they are free to ask questions and educate themselves more on the problems at hand. Ideally, within each city such as Houston and Atlanta, there will be an additional speaker who is influential to the community such as a political figure or activist to deepen the discussion. The Lost Tribe project will travel to bring light on issues we face and encourage the viewers to use their power to improve our circumstances around the nation. Ultimately, the project will be an impactful display that everyone can enjoy and be inspired.