Dwayne Parkinson Williams (he/him) is a Black British London-based freelance artist and illustrator. His work is characterised by the use of patterns, textures, and vibrant colours to
create compelling and vivid characters that celebrate Black culture and identity.
How has your lived experience shaped your practice?
Growing up in Hackney, East London, I was immersed in a large Black community with a strong African and Caribbean identity, fused with other cultural elements from London. This unique cultural blend has been a rich resource for my illustrations, influencing the characters I draw.
The first lockdown during the pandemic was pivotal for my creative growth. It provided me the time and mental space to focus on the work I wanted to create and be known for. During this period, the tragic killing of George Floyd and the subsequent BLM protests had a profound impact on me. An image search for “beauty” that returned predominantly white European people motivated me to focus on illustrating Black beauty. I aim to celebrate our hairstyles, facial features, and culture, which have often been marginalised by Eurocentric beauty standards.
What are some of your biggest influences and motivations in your work? What issues are
you passionate about working on?
Everything I encounter, from the textures and patterns on tree trunks to the graffiti art in Brick Lane, inspires me. My influences extend beyond visuals to sound. Music, especially hip hop with its art of sampling and mixing, deeply influences my illustrations. The rhythmic patterns of looping and repeating sounds parallel the patterns in my artwork. Other influences include Saturday morning cartoons, Marvel comics, and traditional African patterns, the music and visual style of Tyler the Creator, the graphic design of Aries Moross and the art of yayoi Kusama.
Two main motivations that drive me is creating work that brings me joy and advocating for the use of diverse images that reflect our people of colour in society.
Where are you based and what excites you about the creative community around you?
I am based in Hackney, a vibrant and creative area of London. The creative community here excites me, as I see artists channel their life experiences, personal views, and emotions through their chosen mediums. The exchange of new ideas and creations inspires me to challenge myself and continually evolve my illustrations.
See more of Dwayne’s work HERE
