Lakeem Ali Wilson (1991)
Lakeem Wilson is a practicing artist and educator, engaging in the beautification of urban environments and developmental art.
The Artist
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Lakeem Wilson, born in 1991, is a multifaceted artist whose work transcends the boundaries of traditional visual art. With a deep connection to his roots in South Dallas, Lakeem’s journey as an artist and community influencer is a testament to the power of creativity as a force for change. Over the years, he has completed more than 30 murals, each one a vibrant contribution to the urban landscapes that shaped his upbringing.
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Lakeem’s public art is more than just a visual spectacle; it is a beacon of hope and inspiration in the communities where it resides. His murals are strategically placed in urban areas that often lack access to cultural enrichment, bringing art to the forefront of daily life and sparking conversations about identity, resilience, and empowerment. These public works not only beautify the spaces they inhabit but also serve as a reminder of the strength and potential within these communities.
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In addition to his impactful public art, Lakeem’s fine art offers a profound exploration of themes such as identity, freedom, and the human experience. His work, characterized by its meticulous detail and deep symbolism, bridges the gap between personal expression and collective consciousness. Pieces like "I'M POSSIBLE" and "The Rose From Concrete" delve into the complexities of Black freedom, resilience, and the journey of self-discovery, earning Lakeem a respected place in the art world.
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Lakeem’s engagement as a community influencer extends beyond his artistic creations. He has become a leader and mentor, using his platform to uplift other artists and creative thinkers. As a leader in the Artist Collective Visions in Black, Lakeem travels the nation, fostering relationships and using art as a tool for entrepreneurship, empowerment, and social change. His work is a vital part of the cultural fabric, influencing not just the communities he touches directly, but the broader narrative of art and its role in society.
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Lakeem Wilson’s art is a powerful blend of personal and communal storytelling, reflecting both the struggles and triumphs of life. His dedication to his craft and his community makes him a vital voice in today’s art world, with a legacy that continues to grow with each mural, each piece of fine art, and each life he touches.
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The Curator
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Lakeem Wilson is a Dallas-based curator, artist, and educator whose work centers Black cultural expression through the lenses of history, storytelling, and contemporary art. Currently serving as Associate Curator at The African American Museum in Dallas, Lakeem develops exhibitions that blend archival research, public art, and intergenerational engagement. His practice is rooted in a deep commitment to honoring ancestral legacies while creating platforms for new and emerging voices across North Texas and beyond.
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His curatorial practice is rooted in a commitment to uncovering hidden histories and amplifying the voices of those often left out of mainstream narratives. Through exhibitions like Beyond The Frame, The SkyBlue Theory, and Gifted By Grace, Lakeem explores themes that reflects on shared stories, heritage, and identities He views art as a living archive—one that preserves both the trauma and success of Black life in America. Whether presented in formal gallery settings or through mobile exhibitions and community pop-ups, his curatorial work seeks to disrupt dominant narratives and cultivate accessible, intergenerational spaces for reflection, cultural exchange, and inspiration.
In 2025, Lakeem was appointed lead curator and coordinator for the Carroll Harris Simms National Black Art Competition and Exhibition, a cornerstone of the museum’s mission and one of the most respected platforms for Black visual artists in the nation. This role builds on his 2023 selection as a Hellen Giddings Fellow, during which he oversaw the installation of the museum’s prestigious folk art collection—an experience that deepened his engagement with vernacular art forms and archival preservation.
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Before joining the museum team, Lakeem worked as an art handler and preparator at Displays Fine Art Services in 2022. There, he supported installations for top-tier museums, galleries, and private collectors, gaining valuable technical insight into exhibition production and spatial design. His academic foundation was established at The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a B.F.A. in Studio Art in 2010.
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Lakeem’s work extends far beyond museum walls. He is the founder and director of Sight and Sound, an immersive arts education and public art summer camp that empowers youth to explore identity, place, and cultural pride through mural art, multimedia production and literature. He has collaborated with key cultural institutions including the South Dallas Cultural Center, Dallas Weekly, and the historic Forest Theater, and he received Dallas Arts Activate funding to create a community mural in South Dallas.
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Continuing the legacy of legendary artist Frank Frazier and the Visions in Black art collective, Lakeem curates mobile exhibitions and pop-up art shows that bring fine art directly into the heart of urban communities across the country. His practice is grounded in the belief that Black art is not only a record of what was but also a vision of what’s possible. Through every show, project, and collaboration, Lakeem aims to foster cultural pride, preserve history, and inspire collective imagination—one exhibition at a time.