By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
Reggie Gillumo, a celebrated visual artist and sculptor, has been perfecting his unique and easily identified technique for nearly 30 years – vibrant colors with braille-like objects featured in each piece so even the visually impaired or the blind can “see” his work.
Last September, the native Washingtonian opened his art gallery, located in Northwest Washington, D.C. One month later, Gillumo was among the city’s most celebrated residents recognized for outstanding achievement in the arts, humanities and creative industries. The event, the 39th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards, focused on the theme, “Homecoming: Celebrating DC’s Creative Spirit.”
“Washington, D.C. is home to some of the most dynamic creatives in the world. These awards, and programs like202Creates, Art All Night, and Theatre Week, are a reminder of the power of the arts to shape our city and inspire us all,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement.
Despite the acclaim and a growing list of patrons and collectors of his works, including AFRO Publisher Frances Draper, media pioneer Cathy Hughes, iconic musician, singer and songwriter Stevie Wonder, elite NBA players, and more, Gillumo said he still has more goals to achieve and mountains to climb.
“I’d like to find ways to mentor and inspire young artists and encourage them to develop their own technique,” said Gillumo, who acknowledges Jean-Michel Basquiat and Sam Gilliam as the two creatives whose legacies he hopes to keep alive.
Gillumo traces his signature style back to days spent with his blind grandfather
“My grandfather became 100 percent blind because of glaucoma, and after he lost his vision, we would sit down each day and play a sort of game that I created to help him remain in touch with the world, which those who can see often take for granted,” Gillumo said. “Growing up, it was hard to find ways to impress my grandfather. That’s why I created a way we could explore the world together, despite him being blind, and was led to develop my technique. I wanted to make him proud of me.”
Gillumo’s creations are replete with discarded objects that can be found in empty lots, trash bins or scattered along streets and highways – items which he describes as “hidden treasures.”
(Photo courtesy of Reggie Gillumo)
“Anything’s fair game when I’m looking for objects to include in my paintings or to melt and weld into my sculptures,” he said. “For me, there’s no shortage of items that can work from car parts, pliers, marbles and coins, to puzzle pieces, silverware, paintbrushes, rocks, jewelry – even feathers,” Gillumo said. “They have distinguishable shapes or textures that those who are blind or visually impaired can easily identify. As for those with sight, they’re the kinds of items that we see every day but often ignore.”
Gillumo likes to use a wide assortment of bold colors that can be seen from far away.
“It’s the colors that first capture your attention but upon closer inspection, it’s the hidden treasures and the detail they add to the piece that really allows both those with and without sight to enjoy my creations,” he said.
Reaping the benefits of a committed journey
Gillumo, a refreshingly quiet and humble man, said real joy remains the opportunity to create art that can be “felt with both the hands and the heart.”
“People in the District really began to pay attention to me and my work about nine years ago,” he said. “That’s when I started to go out early each morning to an unannounced venue with canvas and buckets filled with everyday items and paints and create something meaningful and beautiful – I guess some might even say something out of nothing.
“Bus drivers, police officers and others driving by in their cars would sometimes double park their vehicles to urge me on and show their support,” he added. “Some even began to patronize my work and ask to purchase the piece I was creating on any given day. And I stayed on the grind, working most days until sundown.”
Ayana Brown, co-owner of the popular southern cuisine restaurant Georgia Brown’s, located in downtown D.C., first learned about Gillumo after seeing him on a sidewalk near her eatery while he was working on a painting. Their friendship and business relationship have since flourished.
“I have several of his pieces in my home and in our restaurant, too, and I’ve even allowed him to hang some of his work on display which he’s been able to sell,” Brown said. “I wanted to help him, especially with him being a person of color, and he’s certainly talented, especially given his technique which is unique and draws you in. Not only are his creations beautiful and vibrant but you can’t help but reach out and touch them, and Reggie encourages people to do just that.”
To learn more about Reggie Gillumo, visit his art gallery, located at 555 12th Street, Washington, D.C., or email him at artgillumo@gmail.com.
