Christopher Batten was born and raised in Detroit, MI.

Chris was influenced by his talented family, including his father, and began drawing at the tender age of four.

In middle school his teachers cultivated his talents when he was exposed to various techniques including opaque painting which helped prepare him for a rigorous High School Art Program.

After admission into Detroit’s Cass Technical High School, he decided to make the pursuit of Art his lifetime goal and went on to complete one year of study at the Columbus College of Art and Design and four years of study at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies.

He received his BFA in Illustration from the College for Creative Studies in May 2006.

Extensive study of Art History and the influence of various Art Professors would play a vital part in helping him develop his current style, which depends heavily on the use of iconography and vivid color.

Throughout his journeys as an Artist he has always sought to use his work as a tool for addressing certain societal issues. Through the use of symbols (both familiar and unfamiliar), in conjunction with the figure, he aims to educate the viewer on something new or deepen their understanding of things they may have previously encountered.

Overall, his work is directed at achieving some means of social commentary. His goal as an Artist will always be to continue to use his work as a vehicle for enlightenment.

Christopher works primarily in oils or acrylic and occasionally incorporates collage into his work. His influences include Henry O. Tanner, Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, John Singer Sargent, Diego Velasquez, Frank Duveneck...

He stays busy and his 2009 Exhibitions, so far are:
Mano a Mano (Reggae vs. Hip Hop), 5 Spot, Atlanta GA
Song for my Father, Artrages Gallery, Detroit MI
Rediscovering the Feminine Principle, Centurion Place, Detroit MI
Collector’s Choice, NCA Gallery, Detroit MI
Celebration of African American Aesthetics, Russell Gallery, Detroit MI
Heritage, NCA Gallery, Detroit MI
National Black Fine Art Show, New York NY 555 Annual Fundraiser, 555 Gallery, Detroit MI
Delta Sigma Theta Art Auction, Detroit MI
Expand your Canvas, Northridge Church Plymouth MI


We are proud to have Chris Batten as a telented member of ColoredPeople.net and we invite you to join our host, Tania-Maria Xavier on July 30, 2009 at 7pm PST/9pm CST/10pm EST at BlogTalkRadio.com/ColoredPeople


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