About the Artist

Karrington Gardner is a multidisciplinary artist reimagining the intersections of space, identity, and daily life. A Columbia, South Carolina native, he draws inspiration from AfriCOBRA, Mundane Afrofuturism, Cubism, and Surrealism. His paintings and collages explore how constructed environments shape human interaction and perception. Karrington holds a BA in Art Education from North Carolina A&T State University and an MFA in Studio Art from UNC Greensboro. Formerly a high school art teacher in South Carolina, he now works as an adjunct instructor in Greensboro, while continuing to expand his creative practice.

About the Artwork

“Sleep” is a painting that explores the intersection of the conscious and unconscious mind, seeking a middle ground between the two. The figure peacefully rests among a spiraling, fracturing world while an ominous hand reaches to wake him. Through blue tones and overlapping layers, I create a dreamlike, introspective atmosphere that mirrors the experience of being lost in thought.