Intimate Frequencies of Care by Ernest Shaw
February 12 - March 10, 2026
Flecker Gallery proudly presents Intimate Frequencies of Care by SUNYSuffolk's visiting
artist, Ernest Shaw. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Ernest Shaw is an artist, educator,
and muralist whose work explores Black American and Black Africanist identity through
portraiture. This exhibition will highlight Shaw’s powerful paintings, which combine
finely observed portraiture with symbolic elements of abstract African masks. The
paintings situate the figure as the focus within broader cultural, spiritual, and
historical frameworks. Through nuanced and dignified portrayals of the black body,
Shaw challenges historical misrepresentations and offers deeply humanized perspectives
to a complex and misunderstood culture. We hope you will attend the virtual artist
talk by the artist and visit the gallery while the show is running, as we believe
the work, and lecture by Ernest Shaw will be an amazing experience for all.
Location: Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman Campus, 2nd floor of Southampton Building, in the Flecker Gallery.
Dates: February 12 - March 10, 2026
A reception and virtual artist talk will take place on March 5th. The virtual talk by the artist will be at 2:00 p.m., and the in-person reception
will be at 3:00 p.m.
We will email and post the zoom link on social media for the virtual artist talk throughout
the week of, and the day of the event.
Artist Bio
Being a native of West Baltimore has taught Artist Ernest Shaw the meaning of perseverance,
community and integrity. As a product of Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore
School for the Arts, Morgan State University and Howard University, Shaw recognizes
the importance of using his skills and talents for the betterment of others, not simply
for his own self-aggrandizement. For Ernest, teaching is also an artistic medium.
In addition to his studio practice, Shaw is widely recognized for his large-scale
murals throughout Baltimore. His artistic work is rooted in a strong commitment to
community engagement and education, which he regards as an extension of his creative
practice. Shaw currently serves as an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University,
Towson University, Baltimore City Community College, and the Maryland Institute College
of Art. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Howard University and a Bachelor
of Fine Arts degree from Morgan State University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D.
in Philosophy and Art Theory at the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts.
https://www.eshawart.com/
