The Artist
Bio
New Jersey based artist, April Cooper also known as Art by April, loves to create art. Cooper depicts images of black culture in art because representation in this world is a necessity. Currently she working hard on an art series named “Ghetto to Trendy” where she shines a light on inequality issues. Items or specific parts of black culture that black people have been put down for or even called ghetto for, have been mainstreamed and have been deemed trendy when white counterparts have taken them on.
Artist Statement
As an artist, I try to inspire others of the beauty of black women, black hair and black culture. As a teenager my mother did hair and I was in contact to many of the black women in our community. I got to witness the transformations of hair and the pride of the black woman daily. They leave my mother’s chair holding their heads high, wearing the new hairstyle like a crown. I am truly enjoying the process, I connect to my art and I see myself in every piece I create. In my community I see the culture the hustle everyday and I portray this in my art.
Artist CV
2016
Art All Night - Trenton NJ
Art All Night Selects Show - Artworks
2017
Art All Night - Trenton NJ
Art All Night Selects Show - Artworks
2018
Urban Art Gallery - Caribbean Show
Art All Night - Trenton NJ
Art All Night Selects Show - Artworks
2019
Urban Art Gallery - Caribbean Show
Art All Night - Trenton NJ
2020
Art All Night Virtual Show
2021
Mill Hill Saloon - Ripper Show
Mill Hill Saloon - The Wonder Years
Mill Hill Saloon - Krampus
Artworks - 10x10 Show
2022
Starbucks Solo Show
Mill Hill Collective - Fine Arts Ripper
Mill Hill Collective - Spring Bling
Mill Hill Collective - A Whole Notha Level
Mill Hill Collective - King of the Hill
Art All Day
Hub 13 Community Show
MCCC Group Show
Ellarslie Museum - This is Trenton
2023
Museum of Science and Industry- Black Creativity
Expo 42 International Juried Show
Mill Hill Saloon - Love is Love
Exit 7A - 420 Art Show
Artworks - A Stolen Aesthetic Solo Show
Mill Hill Collective - “Return of the Mack”
Mill Hill Collective - “Cinco De Mayo”
Mill Hill Collective - “Trick or Treat”
Artworks Gallery - Members Show
2024
Mill Hill Collective - “Love is Love”
Mill Hill Collective - “Cinco de Buck”
Art in the Atrium, Morristown NJ
Art All Night, Trenton War Memorial
Slamming Brew - “Spring Show”
Passage Theatre - “Fine Arts Ripper”
La Galerie Adrienne, Trenton NJ