Biography

Makeba Kedem-DuBose grew up in what she likes to refer to as a female tribe, in a public housing project on the near West Side of Chicago. She is a product of the Catholic Church and school system and, under the direction of a Jesuit priest, Father James Hasse, himself an artist, she developed her passion for painting. He taught her the basics of art, art history and various techniques. Makeba’s painting style reflects the mentor’s influence, African based ancestral practices from her maternal Grandmother and the Judeo-Mystic practices of spirituality from her Father.

Her work speaks to viewers on a spiritual level. Makeba’s mission is to pull viewers in, and move the reference point from which they see the world outside of themselves, thus enabling them to recognize themselves within her vision of family and oneness. She views her art as a tool to assist in connecting the human race for the ultimate purpose of peace.

Exhibitions
Makeba has exhibited extensively in the United States. Her works have been displayed in Chicago at Nicole Galleries, The Art Institute, 4th Presbyterian Church, FlatFile Gallery, Wood Street Gallery, Makaar Studios, South Side Community Arts Center, South Shore Cultural Center, The Chicago Cultural Center, Around the Coyote Gallery, The House of Blues, Chicago State University, Hokin Gallery at Columbia College, The University of Illinois, Concordia University, and the Museum of Science and Industry as well as various other venues.

Makeba’s work can also be seen in Philadelphia at Art Jazz Gallery.

Publications and Media Appearances
Makeba’s art has been published over twenty times between 1999 and 2004. Notable among these are:

African Art – The Diaspora and Beyond, by Daniel Texidor Parker, 2004 (section 4 –Masters of the Diaspora);

“Collecting African American Art in Chicago,” the Winter 2004 issue of Philadelphia’s Paint Magazine;

“Art Connects at Nicole Gallery,” the October 2004 issue of N’Digo Newspaper; review of exhibition titled “Art Connects: Shared Visions, Distinct Views”;

“The Power Behind Art,” the Summer 2004 issue of Drum Magazine (London);

“Peace, the Art of Makeba Kedem-DuBose,” March 2004 issue of Afrique News Magazine, in a feature article;

February 2004 issue of the Chicago Artists Coalition newspaper, cover page feature;

December 17 2003 the Chicago Tribune named a series of her giclee prints “The Best Gift for Girls.” Reproductions of selected works are available at the store of the Studio Museum in Harlem.

Makeba has been featured twice on ArtBeat Chicago (WTTW-11), most recently in 2004 for the 4th Presbyterian Church Exhibition, “A Dream Revisited;” and in 1999 for “Beach Blast,” an arts event hosted by the City of Waukegan, IL. She has also been interviewed or spoken on a number of radio programs in the Chicago area.