Justice Dwight Is a self-taught visual artist who was born in Plainfield New Jersey but raised in Richmond Virginia. Dwight's first experiences as an artist stem from watching his father paint. His father's portraits surged his initial interest in creating art at six years old. Also, his mother, who is an avid doll collector, inspired his use of color theory because she always styled her dolls in cool, color-blocked ways.
Besides being inspired by his family, he looks up to Black artists like Barkley Hendricks , Mickalene thomas , and Derrick Adams. Even though he’s not formally trained, Dwight kept drawing and painting daily to nourish his skills. He primarily works with acrylic paint and mixed media items such as glitter, fabric, and rhinestones on canvas.
Most recently Justice had the pleasure of being commissioned by the US embassy to create a mural in Cuba for an independent project. This mural showcased black and queer beauty at its highest form which is one of Justices focus points in his work. Justice Dwight has had the pleasure of being involved in several group shows at The Well art gallery, Barcode, and Atlas. While also being in group shows, he's had the pleasure of sharing his art online which has given me the opportunity to create work for the University of Maryland and celebrities such as Issa Rae, Big Freedia, and Azealia Banks
Statement
My work is a celebration of identity, beauty, and resilience, rooted in my lived experience as a Black queer artist. Through vibrant colors, bold textures, and immersive storytelling, I explore themes of intimacy, community, and self-expression, drawing inspiration from the cultural legacies of ballroom culture, queer joy, and Black excellence.
Each piece I create is a dialogue between the personal and the universal. I incorporate mixed media elements—glitter, rhinestones, fabric—to evoke a sense of glamour, empowerment, and individuality. These materials, often associated with transformation and celebration, reflect the beauty and complexity of the identities I seek to honor.
My art is influenced by the creative foundations of my childhood: my father’s portraits ignited my love for painting, while my mother’s eye for bold color combinations shaped my understanding of visual harmony. Today, I draw inspiration from Black artists like Barkley Hendricks, Bisa Butler, and Derrick Adams, whose work reflects a shared commitment to storytelling and representation.
Whether I’m painting a canvas, designing a mural, or collaborating with institutions and individuals, my goal is to amplify voices that are often overlooked. I aim to create spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and connected—where Black and queer beauty are not just acknowledged but revered.