Rashid Bridgewater

Rashid works with painting markers and colored pencils on paper to explore imagery rooted deeply in their mind and memory. Some images come to them spontaneously, like symbols and scenes that have lingered in their mind for years. They see themselves as a visual scavenger, drawing inspiration from everyday symbols and images that spark their imagination. Their style is a blend of geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and symbolic elements, creating a unique, expressive aesthetic.

For Rashid, art is a means of channeling feelings onto paper, offering an essential outlet for self-expression. They envision a future where art not only remains central to their life but also serves as a path to explore new fields. Rashid’s journey has been marked by ups and downs, including their move to the city and time spent at Rikers, which gave them space to focus on mental health. Following two years in a state hospital, art became their passion and a foundation for keeping faith. Today, Rashid sees their art as a second chance—a way to share their gift with others and inspire them to overcome their own obstacles.