With the Boston weather (finally) transitioning from winter to spring, the artist Jamal Thorne recently welcomed art_works into his sunny studio space in the South End.

Having moved from Baltimore to Boston over a decade ago to pursue his MFA at Northeastern University and The School of the Museum of Fine Art, Jamal jokingly commented that it took him years to “get” the Boston weather. Ever since, Jamal has continued to work and reside in the city. In addition to his art practice, he currently serves as a faculty member at Northeastern University.

During our visit, we encountered works in progress reflecting the multi-media aspects of Jamal’s practice, which blends drawings, paintings, and mural traditions. Imagery tends to reference popular culture, religious iconography, and symbolism as a way to reimagine what our multilayered identities could look like in contemporary society.

In our candid conversation, Jamal elaborated on his studio habits, work process, and inspiration. He also offered his take on the relationship between technology and art, and, most excitingly, revealed some very big news! 

[Video description & crediting: Video of Jamal Thorne talking about his art practice in his studio in the South End, Boston, MA (2023). Video produced by Olivia Moon Photography/@halfasianlens.]