Jamaal Barber (American, b. 1980) was born  in Virginia and raised in Littleton, North Carolina. He received a BA in Communication Arts from East Carolina University and an MFA in Printmaking from Georgia State University. Formally trained as a graphic designer, printmaking became and continues to be his primary artistic medium, though he also creates paintings, collages, and ink wash drawings. Barber is a key member of the art community of Atlanta, printing at the Atlanta Printmakers Studio and hosting the podcast Studio Noize on contemporary Black art. Barber is known for his combined use of woodcut and screenprint to layer patterns, colors, figures, and narratives. His work explores black identity, social structures in America, and propagandistic imagery. His work has been exhibited widely in the southern United States and commissioned by institutions across the nation.

On his artistic intention:

“My art makes social commentary about black life and black identity. I explore all aspects of black life in America from the nostalgic reverence of small town, southern life to the societal forces that shape modern life across the country. Figures in my art are carved and printed in relief with added layers of texture by screen printing patterns and colors to support the narratives. My aim is to create a new kind of propaganda to spread messages that speak to all aspects of black life.” —Jamaal Barber