“You gotta love yourself,” is the motto for self-taught artist Brandon Carlton (Ugly Brandon). Loving himself is his first step in loving others; this mindset has taken him to where he is now. The authenticity of Carlton’s work lies in the representation of direct reflection of his experiences and growth.

Born in Baltimore, Carlton spent much of his childhood going to work with his mother and painting homes on her construction sites; unknowingly setting him up with many of the materials he would use later in his art.

Carlton’s practice explores a new dimension of figurative realism that spreads a non-objectifying light on black bodies by exposing the vast spectrum of skin pigmentation that goes beyond just black and white. The inspiration for his works come from everyday life through his travels with modeling and his background in streetwear, by exploring the human psyche through his intimate portraits that partly stem from reality but mostly from his imagination. He’s influenced by artist Katz, Hockney, and tv show (The Simpsons). His constant need for progression is due to his unapologetic mentality that allows him to draw inspiration from literally everything which helps him create a world of his own.

More than a form of expression- art is a mode of survival for Carlton. In his reality “I want to lead a life of my own”.