Artist Bio
LaRon Emcee is a multi-disciplinary visual artist from Gary, Indiana. With a keen eye for the faces and scenes that fill everyday life, LaRon’s work is deeply rooted in his observations and interactions with the world around him. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of comic books, Afro-futurism, realism, cartoons, and portraiture, LaRon blends these influences to create art that is both visually striking and conceptually rich.
Over the years, LaRon has sold and exhibited his work in over 20 group shows nationwide and held seven solo exhibitions in cities including Gary, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. His portfolio spans across diverse mediums and audiences—he has designed cover art and merchandise for multiple recording artists, created label art for various breweries, and exhibited pieces in notable public spaces like Las Vegas City Hall and the Nevada State Museum. His art has even been showcased on BET, in local commercials, and in promotional videos in Las Vegas.
LaRon’s murals have adorned the walls of institutions like Art House Theater and Control Collective, bringing his dynamic visual language to a wider public. Currently, LaRon is expanding his creative reach by working on multiple bodies of traditional artwork, street-influenced apparel, digital illustrations, and large-scale murals.
Through each piece, LaRon Emcee continues to explore the intersection of culture, identity, and self-expression, leaving his mark on both the art world and the streets that inspire him.
Artist Statement
My work attempts to explore the deep, symbolic relationship between identity, freedom, and connection to the earth through the language of color and expression. My portraits are an expression of the emotions and elements that shape us.
The color of the sky in my subjects’ hair represents freedom—a vast, open space that holds infinite possibilities. It serves as a reminder of the boundless potential within us all. The cloud shown throughout these portraits symbolize the character’s dreams,visions and aspirations that shape our existence. They drift and shift, reminding us that our dreams are fluid, present and ever-evolving.
The exaggerated red-tinted skin is a tribute to protection and connection to the earth, grounding my subjects in the richness and resilience of our shared human experience. This red hue also serves as a subtle nod to Otjize, the traditional African paste used for its protective qualities, linking my art to cultural practices that honor both the individual and collective spirit.
Through my portraits, I invite the viewer to reflect on layers of identity, the strength found in connection to our roots, and the freedom we all seek to explore within ourselves and the world around us.