John H. Dickerson Heritage Library - Kamal Mateen

Still Rising, 2002
Oil on canvas

Kamal Mateen
Daytona Beach, Fla.
Click on the image to see a larger view

Kamal Mateen is an accomplished painter, writer and musician. His work has been featured in the sitcom television shows “Living Single” and “The Jamie Foxx Show.”

His art arouses many emotions in the viewer. When looking closely at any of Mateen’s pieces, one becomes intrigued at the subtle and sublime images and information within the picture plane. His art transmits a message echoing a strong past and expectations of a better future.

The 5-foot by 6-foot painting, “Still Rising,” depicts children of various racial backgrounds seated on a large open book held aloft by a giant hand. The celestial background gives way to a prominent road leading from the children to a futuristic city at the apex of the painting.

“My art is based on everyday life experiences,” Mateen wrote. “I seek to uplift the minds of humanity and inspire and motivate them to a higher plane.”