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Isaka Shamsud-Din

African American, born 1940


Details
Names

Isaac (Isaka) Shamsud-Din

Shamsud-Din, Isaac (Isaka)

Shamsud-Din, Isaka

Isaka Shamsud-Din

Active

Portland

Occupation or Type

painter

muralist

Northwest artist

Oregon artist

Bio

Isaka Shamsud-Din is known in the Pacific Northwest as a mural artist, art professor, and social commentary artist who critiques the complex history that makes up the African American experience. His large-scale paintings imbue vivid color and bold energy, bringing his characters to life. He collages past and present elements into allegorical vignettes that reflect culture and history. His suggestive work shows both the grace and anguish of the people he depicts. A Portland painter and teacher, Isaka Shamsud-Din received his training at the Pacific Northwest College of Art (formerly the Museum Art School) and Portland State University, where he taught art and works in community outreach. He has received grants from the Metropolitan and Oregon Arts Commissions, as well as a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. His many public commissions include murals for the Portland Justice Center, the Albina Neighborhood, the Children’s Museum, and Portland State University.

Gender

Male

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Media
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