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Savannah College of Art and Design graduate Omar Richardson is a pioneer of sorts. Richardson (B.F.A., painting, 2006) is the first graduate student in printmaking. From this unique position, he is taking advantage of the college’s cutting-edge facilities to experiment with new media and collaborate with students in other programs to expand his series of culturally influenced pieces. Richardson was born in Nassau, Bahamas. In high school, he discovered and developed his love for art. His first exhibition, at age 16, was held with well-known Bahamian artist Chan Pratt. Growing up in Nassau, Richardson participated in the street parade Junkanoo, which occurs every Christmas and New Year’s Day. His family members danced in the annual celebration, which features music and colorful, elaborate costumes."This festival is a major influence in my work," Richardson said. "The best way for me to capture Junkanoo is to take pictures of it. I try to depict the energy from it, the passion that goes into it, in some of my pieces."
