Written by: Branna Calloway
Genesis the Greykid is a highly in-demand fine artist, that feels and thinks deeply about the world around him. You can see it in his art, whether through his poetry, or on the canvas. There’s a resonance in his work that touches the viewer just enough to let the light in, and the truth out.
When you first encounter him, he comes across as very quiet and reserved. But, his work speaks to the depth that he possesses.
Russell McGee Jr., aka Genesis the Greykid, was born into a military family stationed in Georgia. His mother loved Chattanooga, a mid-sized city overshadowed by the more newsworthy Nashville and Memphis, so much that she drove there just to give birth.
“It’s my favorite city,” Genesis told The Block. “I’m still trying to figure out why. It’s a lot of nature and natural beauty, and the city just finds a way to grow through that. It’s a beautiful blend of city and nature, and I really dig it.”
His fondness for T.S. Eliot sparked his love of poetry and hip hop, where he once worked as a ghostwriter and MC. That part is all in the rearview, as Genesis is currently walking his path as a fine artist in studios all over the world.
“I like to incorporate my poetry into my work. [Poetry] comes from personal experience. That’s the battery to it all. I see my mother’s laugh as poetic. It’s more of an essence. It’s a feeling. So, whether it has words on it or not, it’s this vibe to it. It [kind of] just feels like there’s some music to it as you lean in close enough.”
This self-description of Genesis’ work and process, makes one think of jazz and the improvisation that led to other great works of art. A great comparison, indeed, especially considering Genesis the Greykid is now being collected and sought out by some of the biggest names in America.
How does the process work in times like the present, where the outside noise becomes so loud that it sometimes completely eclipses and silences the inner voice?
Daily prayer and long walks have helped Genesis stay in touch with his guiding voice. That, along with remaining genuine and honest with whatever result occurs after praying, and putting vision to canvas.
“Whatever’s internal will come out, whether I dig it or not,” he said. “Sometimes I create something and I’m not sure if I’m feeling it, but I trust it because I got out of my way, and I just let it pour out. Even if there is no inspiration, the work becomes an actual limb, just like muscle memory. You have to create whether you’re inspired or not, and if you’re being honest, what’s in you will come out in a beautiful way.”
You have to create whether you’re inspired or not, and if you’re being honest, what’s in you will come out in a beautiful way.
Genesis The Greykid
That’s Genesis’ secret to cutting through the noise— to keep working, and letting his internal compass guide his art. Sometimes music fills in the spaces with a little muse of its own. His working soundtracks have been known to include opera, classical, Yo Gotti, Al Green, and perennial favorite, Thom Yorke’s “Atoms for Peace.” There aren’t any obvious themes since every painting is treated like a new adventure and a new exploration of his internal landscape.
Genesis and his manager started the Casa Grey brand, in which the artist forms collaborations to create rare pieces of art.
“It’s like a boutique art house where these very beautiful and gifted minds come together to create moments, and we distribute those moments through visual art or something you can wear.”
The latest collab linked Genesis with former professional basketball player, and current Inside the NBA analyst, Shaquille O’Neal to create Genesis x Shaq coffee tables.
The collection is currently sold out.
His art has managed to draw in customers from all walks of life. From eccentric tastes and a Wyoming cattle wrangler, to super wealthy people and families that have been saving up for almost two years to invest in a piece.
“The skeletons of any good poem is honesty and truth,” Genesis explained. “It’s the same with artwork. When you put truth out, it moves people – you’re going deep into the well. It might be something they’ve been struggling with, too. The truth flows between the artist and the consumer, and in that connection lies the Divine.”
Genesis the Greykid is definitely showing us all how to be present in this life, no shortcuts allowed. You take the good with the bad, and try to make something beautiful out of it. Now look into the abstract painting of your life, find the truth, make the connection, and let the image of who you want to be emerge.
To view and purchase original work from Genesis, visit his website: www.throughthegrey.com. You can also follow him on Instagram at: @genesisthegreykid.
