Mississippi-born artist's work of Tyre Nichols going global
Mississippi-born artist Anthony Sims' artwork is finding a global audience after he created artwork of slain Memphian Tyre Nichols.
Born in Southhaven, Mississippi, and raised in Lewisburg just outside of Memphis, Sims started an art career in Memphis after graduating high school in 2017.
The up-and-coming artist's artwork has been featured in various regional museums such as the Meridian Museum of Art in 2020 and in an exhibition at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art last year.
Now his art, especially of slain Memphian Tyre Nichols, has been seen around the world, including in New York, London and Hong Kong.
"I was active in the Memphis art scene for about two years before moving to Dallas, Texas, in mid 2019," Sims said. "Although I am Dallas based, my ties to both Mississippi and Memphis remain prevalent to this day."
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Recently, Sims drew global attention when he honored the life of Memphis-native Nichols, who died after being tasered and beaten in police custody in January, prompting civil rights protests, police reform and second-degree murder charges against the officers involved.
"My artwork was shown on Fox News around the time when the Tyre Nichols trial was going on and has slowly been reaching the world," Sims said. "I have had shows all around the United States and in other … [cities] like London, Paris, Hong Kong, Montreal and a solo exhibition in Mexico City."
Sims was given the opportunity to showcase his Nichols portrait in New York's Times Square in May. The display was up for a week to honor the life of Nichols.
"I felt like this was something I could show the world and something I can stand for," Sims said. "Tyre was a father, a son and very relatable to a lot of men, so I took one of his photos and drew over it and built a pretty large colorful background behind it."
On June 5, the family of Nichols hosted a party for Nichols' 30th birthday in Memphis. Sims attended and hand-delivered his personal printed photos of the art display to the Nichols family in memory of Nichols' life.
Sims said he will continue to showcase his artwork around the world.
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Anthony Sims' artist statement
"My art is a reflection of the raw energy and intense emotions of the Mississippi Delta blues and hip hop. It is a chaotic and brutal explosion of color and form that seeks to capture the essence of what inspires these powerful musical genres. Through my work, I strive to convey the pain, struggle, and resilience of the human spirit, as well as the beauty and joy that can be found in even the darkest of places.
"Ultimately, my art is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of creativity to transcend pain, suffering, and oppression. It is a reflection of my own personal journey and my connection to the cultural traditions that have shaped me. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to find their own voices and express themselves boldly and fearlessly.
"I am drawn to the frenetic rhythms and intense lyrics of blues and hip hop, as well as the deep cultural and historical significance of these art forms. My art is an attempt to capture the soul and channel it into a visual form. Whether through vibrant and bold brushstrokes, rough and textured surfaces, or unexpected and jarring juxtapositions, I seek to create a visceral and unforgettable experience for the viewer."
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi artist creates portrait of Tyre Nichols
