Mark Feijão Milligan II | Waianae, HI
Inocencia Negra
Oil on Canvas, 5’ x 3’ (2020)
Acknowledging the consequences of the past yet moving forward with sincere forgiveness, this image captures the joy, playfulness and vulnerability of African American males - in contrast to being depicted as bodies of violence in history and in contemporary media. The artwork celebrates the simple, unadulterated innocence of Black youth, channeling a visual representation of love and respect.
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Mark Feijão Milligan II
Mark "Feijão" Milligan II was born on St. Croix, U.S.V.I.
At the age of 16, he began an apprenticeship under Paul Youngblood. One of the paintings done during this time won the U.S. National Congressional Art Competition. Allowing him the opportunity to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands and have his painting exhibited in the U.S. Capitol.
At 17, Feijão moved to New York City to acquire a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts. During which time he studied under such artists as Don Eddy, Max Ginsburg, Marvin Mattelson and Jack Potter.
Feijão has exhibited at the Frederiksted Fort Museum (U.S.V.I.), Avante Yard (NY), BOE Laboratory (DC), the Corridors Gallery (NY), the Plaza Club (HI), Louis Pohl Gallery (HI), Honolulu Museum of Art School (HI), Maui Arts & Cultural Center (HI), the First Hawaiian Center (HI), the ARTS at Marks Garage (HI) and the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts (U.S.V.I.). He has painted murals for the Central Park SummerStage, Adidas and Pow! Wow! Feijão has also done live art, on stage, for the Former Vice President Al Gore, Lauryn Hill and De La Soul.
He currently resides on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi with his wife and 2 sons.