I am Ya’qub Shabazz, a visual artist, collector, and art educator deeply committed to exploring how art can be a transformational tool in our society. I believe in the power of art to inspire and teach essential skills that foster personal growth, connection, and resilience. By using art as a medium for education and self-discovery, we can unlock incredible outcomes, both for individuals and the communities they belong to.
As the Director of the 9th Floor Artists Collective, I lead efforts to provide a creative sanctuary where artists can thrive while engaging in meaningful dialogue about art, culture, and social justice. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of speaking with students at institutions such as Cornell University, the University of Wisconsin, Chicago State University, and Tompkins Cortland Community College. Whether in a classroom, a studio, or a correctional facility, I have witnessed how creative expression can bridge divides, nurture untapped potential, and empower individuals to imagine and pursue brighter futures.
My experience working with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly in Wisconsin, has shaped my approach to art-based interventions. Through this work, I have seen how art can equip at-risk populations with essential life skills, foster personal growth, and support rehabilitation. I believe in the transformative potential of creative expression to teach, heal, and inspire those navigating life’s most challenging circumstances.
As an artist, my practice spans oil painting, wood carving, acrylic painting, and woodblock printing. Each piece I create celebrates the heritage and contributions of artists of African descent while exploring the intersections of contemporary artistic expression, wellness, and cultural identity. Through my work, I aim to uncover and share the overlooked and underrepresented chapters of art history, enriching our collective understanding of artistic heritage.
My journey as an artist and educator is guided by the belief that art is more than a practice—it is a force for change, healing, and progress. Whether speaking, creating, or mentoring, I strive to show that art has the power to inspire individuals, uplift communities, and transform society.