AN MEANINGFUL END, 2023

Ezra Cumbo is an illustrator and artist based in Brooklyn and born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. His work explores humor and dark themes. When beginning a new project, Cumbo tackles ideas that he hopes can resonate widely, illustrating them in ways that feel like forgotten dreams. In the summer of 2019, he began taking his craft more seriously, drawing every day. This practice led him to Pratt where he developed a profound appreciation for the art of storytell- ing. His creative process usually involves researching a topic and self-reflection, followed by writing about the project’s message. Cumbo primarily works in ink, watercolor, and occasionally digital media. “Being Black and an artist is interesting because everyone wants you to make art about being black. But I feel I make art about just being a person and to me that is important. Art is communication. When an artist shares their perspective, you never know how many people can pull from it and grow.”