Today we’d like to introduce you to Codi Maddox.
Codi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am an Atlanta native and self-taught artist from the Kirkwood neighborhood. I was raised by an artistic mother, so naturally, art was an integral part of my upbringing. Creativity was always encouraged. Though out my time in school I excelled in the arts. Today, art to me has become a way to communicate how I feel and assert my identity. With thee growth and change that Atlanta is facing come also displacement, and a sense of instability. My work engages what it means to from pre-gentrified Atlanta, our community staples and our cultural markers. I began this work in the middle of what one could consider an “early life crisis” painting scenes from my child hood help me regain my sense of self and identity.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As the city grows and develops it has been a struggle for many natives like myself to “keep up.”
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am known by my social media handle “Actually from Atlanta” my artwork is depicting and narrating urban life. I am proud of the response I have received in such a short time. I am happy that my work provokes a conversation about gentrification and invokes nostalgia.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My first art show! It was a success, and the exhibition, open at the mast gallery until June 29th.
Contact Info:
- Email: maddox.codi@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @actuallyfromatlanta
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