HARRISONBURG, VA | UNITED STATES
Derek Jackson’s art is far more than a visual experience – it is a reflection of our contemporary society, brimming with contrasts, voices, and countless opinions. His canvases are vibrant fields of color that also serve as introspective commentaries on the overwhelming presence of opinions in the era of social media. Through speech bubbles that obscure parts of the image, Derek not only challenges the viewer but also invites them to reflect more deeply on the world we live in. In this interview, Derek shares his artistic vision, creative process, and inspiration, guiding us through the rich interplay of colors, styles, and ideas that shape his art.
Your artistic journey began with dreams of studying in New York and creating great works of art. Despite facing challenges, you never gave up on your passion. Can you share how these early ambitions shaped you, and how the obstacles you overcame influenced your style and artistic approach?
As a teenager, I always wanted to live in New York City and do something meaningful. It didn’t matter what it was; I was confident I could learn quickly. I drifted away from art when I was 9 and didn’t reconnect with it until my penultimate year of high school. I took every art class I could. Eventually, I tried going to art school in New York, but the costs were too high for me to afford.
My desire to experience New York was so strong that I started creating paintings based on images of Manhattan I found online. It took a while, but I finally made it to New York when I was 21. That resilience is something I carry with me in my artwork today. I believe that by staying open to ideas, even the seemingly insignificant ones, we can let them grow and evolve into something more meaningful. Sometimes, what seems insignificant at first can become useful or inspiring later on.
Your work often features speech bubbles as a metaphor for the overwhelming presence of opinions. This element has become a signature of your art. How did this idea evolve over time, and how does it adapt to the different themes you explore in your paintings?
The concept of speech bubbles came to me after I painted a piece called Black and White. It’s a large painting, 40 by 60 inches. Given the size of the canvas, I wanted to create something that would make a strong statement. I didn’t want to go with something traditional, though. One afternoon, I was scrolling through Instagram and noticed how everyone had an opinion on everything—whether something was good or bad, or even trivial comments like disliking the color purple. I realized this would be a genius concept to explore through my art.
Currently, all my paintings include speech bubbles, but I’d like to evolve beyond that in the future. Much like how technology changes—take TikTok, for example, with its “stitching” feature where you overlay your thoughts onto someone else’s video—I plan to evolve too. I’m considering doing portraits where the subject blocks parts of the painting. My message is constantly evolving, just like technology.
You blend various painting styles, from abstraction to realistic depictions, giving your works a unique dynamic. How do you decide which style to use in a particular piece, and how does this contribute to the layers and depth of your art?
I choose the style of each artwork based on the piece itself. Sometimes, I’m in the mood to push my limits with something hyper-realistic, like painting a birdcage. Other times, I’ll feel inspired by a style like Shepard Fairey’s and draw something like a poodle with that influence. The speech bubbles serve as the common thread that ties everything together.
I enjoy experimenting with different styles because it adds depth and variety to my work, something that not many artists do. Many artists stay within a single lane, but I love to color outside the lines, exploring new styles and genres. From something as small as a tube of lipstick to a grand masterpiece of art, everything and everyone seems to have an opinion.
In the age of social media, where opinions constantly flood in, your art offers a critique of this phenomenon. How do you see the impact of social media on contemporary art, and how do your works communicate with the audience in this context?
Social media has made art more accessible. Almost everyone has at least one of the top trending platforms. Artists now use social media to promote their work, and if someone likes an artist’s piece, they can easily visit the artist's website or subscribe to their newsletter to stay updated on new works for sale. Simple actions like liking a post or leaving a positive comment help the algorithm and allow more people to discover the artist’s work.
As for my own art, social media is always evolving, and I plan to evolve with it, adapting my work to remain relevant and engaging with the audience.
The bold color palette you use is not just an aesthetic choice, but also a tool for highlighting your messages. How do the colors in your works contribute to conveying emotions and messages, and how do you choose which colors to use in each piece?
I don’t have a favorite color—I love them all equally. The colors I use are meant to be bold and grab the viewer’s attention. There are three ways I typically choose colors for a painting. First, sometimes the idea itself suggests a particular color, and I go with what feels like the best fit. Second, I’ll visit the paint store and let whatever color grabs my attention guide me. And third, I may start with a specific hue I’m drawn to and then build a painting around that color.
I also consider the names of paint colors when choosing which ones to use. For example, I once felt inspired by French culture while painting a birdcage and came across a color called French Blue. The name itself added to the meaning of the piece, so I decided to use it. When the name of the paint complements the artistic intention, it becomes an integral part of the work.
Every art form has the potential to inspire change, whether in individual perceptions or in a broader societal context. What do you consider the main message of your work, and how do you hope it will influence your audience, whether on social media or in galleries?
I want to challenge the boundaries of what is considered a painting. Many people see art as either a painting or a sculpture, but my work combines elements of both. I’m curious to see how galleries will portray me as an artist who blends these mediums.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting more deeply on the message behind my work. I often wonder why I’m so drawn to these paintings and speech bubbles—I’ve even made them part of my business cards. I believe the core of my work touches on the human psyche. When we’re behind a screen, we tend to feel invincible. What would we say to someone on the other side? I always strive to be polite and positive online, but sadly, there are those who take the negative route.
The impact of a random comment isn’t limited to just ruining someone’s day—it can influence their personality. Trending phrases and viral opinions shape how we communicate. One person says or does something, and suddenly, dozens of others follow suit. My work seeks to question and explore this phenomenon.
Derek’s work reminds us that art should not merely be an aesthetic experience – it can also serve as a tool for critique, reflection, and dialogue. In a world increasingly saturated with opinions, where social media shapes how we perceive reality, Derek’s art creates space for deeper introspection and encourages us to reconsider the role of art in today’s society. His fearless experimentation with different styles, colors, and techniques shows that art knows no boundaries – just like human creativity. We eagerly anticipate the next steps of this artist, who continues to push the limits of perception and creation.
Photos by Derek Jackon