Joseph Anthony Pearson, an artist who moved to Asheville in 2015, discusses his experiences growing up and living in the segregated South. He describes his artwork as social realism that reflects his "fundamental belief that artists are vital members of society and have much to communicate relative to social justice and the human condition."

In Asheville, Pearson has curated or been involved in several exhibitions and mural projects, including Women of Distinction, an exhibition that was an homage to women who helped shape his life like his last living aunt, Lucy. During the protests in 2020, he also created a mural of George Floyd on the Blue Ridge Public Radio Building.

Pearson's influences include Charles White and Gordon Parks, who both used the arts to grapple with the social conditions around them. He cites Images of Dignity by White and A Choice of Weapons by Parks as two books that inspired him.

Interview by Michael S. Williams | Photos, videos by Julia Wall