The enigmatic UncuttArt has specialized in creating independent public art, custom apparel, and art that raises frequencies. His artistic projects and collaborations have included developing a line of artistically inspired sneakers sold in over 300 retail outlets and collaborating with Wycleff Jean, Madonna, Jamie Foxx, Sean Paul, and Nelly, among others, with features on ABC, MTV, BET and in multiple magazines. In 2018 UncuttArt collaborated with the Andy Warhol estate and museum to design the album cover for Third Eye Blind. In 2019 he became a cast member for the second season of the hit Netflix series, She’s Gotta Have It, directed by Spike Lee.
UncuttArt changed his life with what he calls a “SelfLove” journey that began in 2009. He arrived at a milestone in his artistic evolution in 2014 when during the creation of a wall mural he decided to spray-paint a sidewalk. He describes, “And the thing about it is that when it is on the floor, it sneaks up on you.” Building on that discovery, in 2016 he launched his signature work and the moniker of his movement, ProtectYoHeART. He has spray-painted this short yet meaningful phrase along with other text and colorful imagery, including his upside-down, spiked, radiant heart, around major U.S. cities including Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Atlanta. A tag line for self-care that echoes Proverb 4:23, which advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”, the phrase has been adopted and repeated by countless people to the point of going viral; used by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Miranda Lambert, and on social media worldwide.
ProtectYoHeART has evolved into an annual, worldwide celebration, artistic activations, and healing retreats led by the artist. Appealing to all people regardless of race, class, or gender, ProtectYoHeART engages individuals in a conscious act of self-care that involves recognition, growth, understanding and love of oneself. With the selection of paintings in this exhibition, UncuttArt takes his universal message and imagery from the street to the canvas.
