One Unkommon Artist

Last month on The Urban Advocate, there was a feature on the clothing line, Unkommon Kolor. When I was inquiring about the fashion line, I was introduced to one of the sickest visual artists I’ve come across, by far. Co-founder and C.E.O., Jeremy Campbell, told me the reason he was tapped as one of the designers was because this guy was simply, ill. Not that I didn’t believe him, but I had to see it for myself. Some artists discover their art and develop their skills over time. Others are just born with a God-given talent, and as they grow, their skills get much sharper. If I were to take a guess, I would say this guy was born with an eye to see things in a unique way, and a gift to connect to persons emotions through the use of strong visuals. As a clothing designer, he’s fresh. As a visual artist, he’s creative. As a photographer, he’s second to none. In my opinion, Jeremy Biggers is a big deal!

Born to interracial parents, Jeremy Biggers was introduced to the world in September of 1981. Art is something that has always been apart of Biggs’ life. From a young age, there was never any doubt in his mind about what he was put here to do. His love and passion for art helped guide him to an Arts Magnet school. Biggs attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he was able to hone his skills and perfect his craft. Taking what he learned during his tenure at Booker T. and combining it with his love for music and urban culture, Biggs created a lane for himself. Though hip-hop has a major influence on his art, he gained a new muse when he lost one his biggest supporters. In September of 2006, Biggs mother Judy Biggers was diagnosed with cancer. Just six months later on March 22, 2007, the fatal disease claimed the life of Mrs. Biggers. It’s moments like this that can define an artist. In the face of adversity, artists either crumble or they use the obstacle to push them forward and make them stronger. Like a great artist normally does, Biggs went on and got better at his art, and continues to draw inspiration from his number one fan. Later, Jeremy would use his website, www.vivalapaloma.com to honor his mother’s memory.

Jeremy’s resilience wasn’t in vain. As he continued to grow and flourish, Biggs went on to have his art featured in a number of art exhibits. His art was on display at the Janette Kennedy in the "Jaadisplay.com Exhibition," and then again in the "Bruthas with Something to Say Exhibition" at the South Dallas Cultural Center. One of the biggest and most notable moves Biggs has made to date, Unkommon Kolor. In the fall of 2007, Bryan Blue and Jeremy Campbell launched the new clothing line and called on Biggs to serve as a designer to help create their one of a kind style. Biggs has been responsible for designing everything from T-shirts to skateboard decks, and is very much responsible for the unique look of Unkommon Kolor. As a photographer, Biggs has an eye that makes the images visually captivating in the portraits of his models. Among his most noteworthy shoots, were "The Joker’s’ Wife" and the "Street Dwellers series." While he’s waiting for his opportunity to do his dream shoot with the one, Miss Keri Hilson, Biggs has been staying busy doing photo shoots for various models, as well as Unkommon Kolor.

Jeremy Biggers has come a long way since graduating from Booker T. Washington. He’s grown as an artist and he has overcome some personal tribulations like a true champion. He’s a visual artist, a designer for Unkommon Kolor, and a photographer; and he’s handling all tasks with skillful precision. From the looks of things, he’s only going to get better and stronger as time goes on. I’m sure Mrs. Judy Biggers is in heaven right now, and is very proud of the work of art she has created in her son.

~ Remon Johnson

For more information on Jeremy Biggers, please visit www.vivalapaloma.com.