Jumping the Block

Frank Morrison (1971 – )

Oil on canvas, 2025

Frank Morrison began his artistic journey as a graffiti artist in New Jersey, but pivotal experiences—including touring as a breakdancer with musical artist Sybil, the influence of a high school art teacher, and a visit to the Louvre—broadened his creative path. Rooted in hip-hop culture, his work blends urban mannerism, graffiti, and contemporary styles to tell human stories. Through emotionally resonant paintings, Morrison captures authentic portrayals of African-American life, offering a visual memoir that honors cultural heritage, and affirms identity in the present day.

According to Frank Morrison, Jumping the Block reflects, “Those long summer days. Those cool winter nights. The crisp cool fall mornings waking up at the break of dawn by my father. “Let’s go Frank the fish are bitting” my dad would say as I wipe my eyes gently while carefully put my fishing pole in the packed van. These precious moments are what I paint. I am honored to tell the stories of my community through these brushstrokes. These honorable stories of our gestures, our laughter, our soul. Hands on hips. Little girls jumping rope with their mothers. Boys acting up to get a smile and attention from neighborhood , girls jumping rope with their mothers.”