In theaters Friday, August 27th, CANDYMAN (2021) is the “sinister sequel” to the original 1992 version that returns to the now-gentrified Chicago neighborhood where the deadly, urban legend began.
Within the scope of fright, the film brilliantly celebrates the importance of Black expression and the social impact of storytelling, which is why Universal Pictures and Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions have partnered with HBCU to uplift Black art and talent.
The initiative involves a group of six students from Historically Black Colleges & Universities that were hand-picked through a partnership with HBCU Buzz to create original art pieces or murals inspired by the film that will be displayed on campuses across the country as part of the HBCU Artist Showcase. In addition, they have also launched a digital fan art showcase in partnership with Black Artist Space.
Kendall Robinson, Howard University
Art Title: Metamorphosis
Medium: Oil on canvas
A Painting major from Atlanta, GA she was selected because she is the president of the fine arts student council and is already a chosen leader amongst her peers. Kendall paints with acrylic on canvas/paper.
Chloe Williams, Norfolk State University
Art Title: Transference
Medium: Multi-media
A fine arts major from Chesapeake, VA she enjoys working in an art gallery and being social media free. She has worked on two mural projects with professional artists and wants to be an art therapist to children.
Haley Wilson, Florida A&M University
Art Title: The Hive
Medium: Mixed medium on wood panel
A Fine Arts major at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University has been involved in fine arts for many years and has even performed theatrically, in word poetry groups, and presented artwork in many exhibitions.
Donielle Pankey, Tennessee State University
Art Title: Everlasting Pain
Medium: Acrylic paint
She is a studio art major from Louisville, KY who also is part of the Honors College Program and a member of Phy Eta Sigma National Honors Society. She is also part of the National Society of Leadership and Success who eventually would like to become an art teacher and own an art gallery.
April Lacey, Fisk University
Art Title: Everlasting Pain
Medium: Acrylic paint
April is a Chicago native and rising junior with a major in fine art and a focus on painting. She will be part of the Fisk Senate starting the 2021-2022 semester and is also a member of Phi ETA Sigma National Honors Society. She wants to go into medical illustration in the future.
Ja’Marcus Willis, Grambling State University
Art Title: Candyman Vision Perspective
Medium: Water color, acrylic paint and color marker
He is a 21-year-old artist and entrepreneur from Springhill, Louisiana. He is a rising junior with a major in visual and performing arts and a minor in psychology. He will be entering the Grambling State University ROTC program for the National Guard.
