One of Kind
By Hailey Stangebye
The Short North Mural Series met — then exceeded — our highest expectations.
Over the course of the Harlem Renaissance campaign, we’ve commission 12 local, black artists to create stunning murals across the Short North. From the hyper-realistic styles of artists such as Terry Norman and Edmund Boateng, to the illustrative masterpieces of Bryant Anthony and Annie Chrissy Burley, this project continues to provide a platform for these artists to showcase their talent.
Within this collection of muralists, there’s one incredibly talented man with deep roots in the Short North: Malcolm J.
Malcolm J. is renowned throughout the neighborhood for his renderings of Short North landmarks. Today, he’s a beloved, friendly face. But Columbus didn’t readily open its arms to Malcolm J. when he arrived in 2005.
Malcolm J. is renowned throughout the neighborhood for his renderings of Short North landmarks.
When he first moved to Columbus from Cleveland, Malcolm J. was homeless. He took refuge in homeless shelters and began to explore the Short North.
That’s how he became engrained in the Short North arts scene. Initially, he created more politically-charged art. Over time, though, he transitioned to the types of cityscape drawings that brought him local prestige.
Today, scores of business and homes throughout Columbus boast original pieces by Malcolm J. His mural, Goodale Fountain, is a breathtaking landscape of Goodale Park that can be found at 15 E. Second Ave. The mural will remain up for at least 18 months.
In March of this year, Malcolm J. was hospitalized after a violent attack. He had helped a bartender remove a belligerent man from a Short North bar, but the enraged man returned later brandishing a broken beer bottle.
The man struck Malcolm J. in the right eye with the bottle, impairing his sight. Despite the trauma, he plans to continue creating art. According to an interview with Columbus Underground, Malcolm J. will explore other creative avenues such as molding with clay.
We are beyond grateful that we could include Malcolm J.’s work in this mural series. Not only is he an incredibly talented artist, he’s also an inspiration. His work communicates a zest for life and art and culture that is unique to his outlook on the world.
We are beyond grateful that we could include Malcolm J.’s work in this mural series. Not only is he an incredibly talented artist, he’s also an inspiration. His work communicates a zest for life and art and culture that is unique to his outlook on the world.
Though the trajectory of his future may seem foggy in this moment, one thing will remain consistent: The love from his Columbus community. Keep creating Malcolm J. We love and support you.
Malcolm J is a part of the Short North Mural Series.
