Painting Black Identity: Telvin Wallace on Invisibility, Memory & Technique | BRUSHH #3

In this deeply moving episode of Brushh, multidisciplinary artist Telvin Wallace opens with a haunting original poem that sets the tone for an intimate exploration of his creative world. From the quiet echoes of his Southern upbringing to the bustling energy of New York City, Telvin invites us into his studio—and his mind—to share how personal history, cultural memory, and a desire for self-exploration shape his practice. A graduate of the New York Academy of Art, Telvin discusses how classical techniques meet contemporary thought in his work, blending Renaissance-inspired composition with powerful reflections on identity, visibility, addiction, and Black American life. From paintings layered with social critique to pastel works inspired by childhood memories in the barbershop, he reveals the emotional and philosophical layers behind his process. Through quiet brushstrokes, spoken word, and storytelling, Telvin Wallace doesn’t just show us how he paints—he shows us why.