Mensah Bey is a visual artist native of Richmond, VA receiving his BA in Graphic Design from Hampton University and his MFA in Visual Studies at Norfolk State University. His paintings explore a surrealistic abstract world referenced by the digital age through the application of hard-edged, geometric patterning.
Transparent layering established through color theory and analysis sets a tone that deconstructs painting techniques, making visible the process of applying layers.
The Ajent series renders elongated necks reminiscent of some African cultures. It’s symbolism bridges the connections between the physical and virtual world. The Ajent captures unique qualities of the subjects, revealing elements of their personality.
Mensah Bey Exhibition History
2018 Virginia Artists Annual Exhibition, Charles H. Taylor Arts Center, Hampton, VA, USA
2018 Uprising: Art of Sub-Culture, Volition Gallery, Orangebury, NY, USA
2018 Solo Exhibition, Confronting Bias Thesis Exhibition, James Wise Gallery, Norfolk State
University, Norfolk, VA, USA
2018 Featured Artists with Hermitage Museum and Gardens & Amplified IT, NEON Festival,
Norfolk, VA, USA.
2018 NEON Festival, Hugh Copeland Center, NEON District, Norfolk, VA, USA
2018 Graphic Design in Coastal Virginia, Charles H. Taylor Arts Center, Hampton, VA, USA
2018 Solo Exhibition, AJENCY, Zeke’s Beans and Bowls, Norfolk, VA, USA
2018 Juried Exhibition, Art Speaks on the Bay 2018, Art Speaks Gallery, Matthews, VA, USA
2018 EVMS Black History Month Display, Eastern Virgina Medical School, Lewis Hall, Norfolk,
VA, USA
2017 Artist Showcase Group Exhibition, Bearded Bird Brewing Co., Norfolk, VA, USA
2017 Utopia’s Got Talent Juried Showcase, Utopia Feni, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
2017 Five Points Gallery, Outdoor Drive Thru Gallery, Norfolk, VA, USA
2017 Featured Artists with WHRO Emerging Leaders Board & Amplified IT, NEON Festival,
Norfolk, VA, USA.
2017 Shadow Freeze, NSU MFA Students, Live Art Performance, NEON Festival,
Norfolk, VA, USA
2017 NOW: African American Artists in Tidewater, Charles H. Taylor Arts Center,
Hampton, VA, USA
2017 Featured Artist, GAS Member Juried Exhibition, Glass Wheel Studio, Norfolk, VA, USA
2017 African-American Black Artists: Art Exhibition, Slover Library, Norfolk, VA, USA
2017 Solo Exhibition The Daily Avatar, FMC Garden Cafe, Norfolk, VA, USA
2017 Drawing For Success. Art Institute of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
2017 Collaborate: Student/Faculty Art Exhibit, James Wise Gallery, Norfolk State University,
Norfolk, VA, USA
2016 Student/Faculty Art Exhibit, James Wise Gallery, Norfolk State University,
Norfolk, VA, USA
2016 The Cantemporaries Exhibition, 670 Gallery, Hampton, VA, USA
2012 All Media Gallery Show, Artworks Gallery, Richmond, VA, USA
2010 MMX Senior Art Exhibition, Armstrong/Slater Gallery, Hampton University,
Hampton,VA, USA
2010 See No Boundaries, Dubois Hall, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, USA
Public Art
2018 ArtPop Street Gallery Featured Artist, Norfolk, VA, USA
2018 Lead Artist, Vibe Creative District Creative Crosswalk Event, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
2017 Public Art Commission, Ajent of NEON, large scale (8ft. x 40ft.), Acrylic Latex on
board, Bob’s Gun Shop, Norfolk Arts Council, Norfolk, VA, USA