Sylvia Sykes
About the Artwork
Joseph, 30 x 40 inches, acrylic on canvas
This painting is part of a body of work created during Sykes’ time as an artist-in-residence at Akron Soul Train. The project reimagines Bible stories in modern contexts set within recognizable Akron locations. Sykes wrote sixteen short stories with familiar Biblical messaging and then painted scenes from those narratives, displaying the visual and written work together. The goal of the exhibition is to invite viewers to reflect on their moral compass in today’s world and consider how their values are expressed through life choices. This painting, based on a photograph of the model Jemier Daniel, exemplifies her ability to convey presence, personality, and narrative through color and composition.
About the Artist
Sylvia Sykes is a contemporary painter whose work combines portraiture, narrative, and community engagement. She draws inspiration from both photography and lived experience, transforming familiar subjects into layered, expressive compositions. Her art often explores themes of morality, identity, and social context, encouraging viewers to reflect on personal values and connections to their community. To learn more, visit the artists website.