The next artist in our Third Thursday lineup is Dominique Hodge, also known as Jakeem Da Dream. Hodge’s opening reception is on Thursday, June 19, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts. The reception is free and open to the public and precedes Live in the Lobby Jazz: Rod Foster and Company featuring Brittany Turnipseed.
Born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina, Dominique Hodge, known artistically as “Jakeem Da Dream” is an Afrofuturistic artist. Upon graduating from high school he furthered his artistic knowledge by attending the Art Institutes, which exposed him to a larger world of art. Actively working in the community, instructing art classes and paint-and-sip events through local art studios and galleries. He is a member of the Sumter Artists Guild as well as the Sumter Gallery of Art in which he sits on the board. His work has won an honorable mention at the 2019 Sumter Artist Guild Exhibition. Aside from working on canvas, he has also completed several mural projects within local schools and businesses. He has been working with the Auntie Karen Foundation through its Artpreneur program since 2018, where he has been providing quality art education to South Carolina youth. He is currently an active member of Roc Bottom Studios, through which he also works with Gemini Arts.
Artist Statement:
“I am an Afrofuturist artist. My work, whether it be hand drawn illustrations, acrylic paintings, or intricate murals all reflect the heart, mind, and soul of black people. I view artists as the true alchemists, and the process of creating the true alchemy. Being capable of transmuting pain, suffering, and joy into a physical manifestation is pure magic. Being able to transmute the unseen world, viewed through the conscience of the black experience into works of visual art that transcends time and space is a real-world superpower. To achieve this goal, I draw from a plethora of sources such as mythology, religion, history, astrology, astronomy, esoteric and hermetic philosophy.”