Malik displayed an all-consuming obsession with the cinematic arts at an extraordinarily tender age, watching hundreds upon hundreds of films to the point of reading the end credits. He also researched not only how and when they were made but the histories of the studios which produced and released them.
While he was studying art history and traditional animation at The Art Institute of Atlanta, Malik participated in nearly a dozen art shows both on- and off-campus. When he was only 19, Malik created and developed The Westmiller Bros.---a wildly ambitious project influenced profoundly by world history, politics, philosophy, and the Saturday morning cartoons of decades' past.
Blue Moon Pizza has hosted and helped to promote his first-ever solo art exhibitions, all of which have been met with significant public praise in the Buckhead area. Malik has also lectured on the history of cinema at the Kodak Film Lab in northeastern Atlanta.
“As I have come to know Malik, a talented cartoonist and illustrator, he has participated in two of my curated community art shows where his work was enthusiastically received.
Malik’s vintage cartooning and choice of characters keep you looking and you are convinced a tracer is involved. The precision of his technique is remarkable. I love how he calls it ‘doodling’… I am very pleased to have my own piece of his.”
“Malik Roberts is as fun and fantastical as his creations. Just like his paintings, he’s a smidge of innocence mixed with real and a touch of macabre. Working with Malik is like spending a day in real-time nostalgia, and I always walk away joyful and chuckling at the quirkiness. He truly is a refreshing respite in a world that loves to take itself way too seriously.”
“As a fan of animation, I was thrilled to discover the artwork of Malik Roberts, whose work beautifully combines the beloved animation styles of Disney and Hanna-Barbera, along with his own unique and original illustrations. Roberts has an incredible talent for seamlessly blending these iconic animation styles into his artwork, creating a visual feast for the eyes…. In addition to his skillful incorporation of those timeless animation styles, Roberts also brings his own artistic flair to his illustrations. His original artwork is a testament to his creativity and imagination, with unique characters, imaginative settings, and captivating storytelling. Roberts’ illustrations often convey a sense of whimsy, wonder, and nostalgia, transporting viewers to magical worlds and telling stories that ignite the imagination.”
“Malik and I met through classic films and I know his depth of knowledge and love for ‘old movies.’ So, it's natural to understand the inspiration and passion that he takes from that and uses in his art.”
“I had the pleasure of not only working with, but also going to school with Malik Roberts. Malik has a very high attention to detail, and a great personality which shows through his artwork and style. As a great friend and colleague, we pushed each other on our assignments to make sure we held each other accountable. I’m very proud of everything he has accomplished thus far, and will continue to root for him!”
“Malik Roberts is a young artist whose illustrations demonstrate a keen eye for detail and the talent to capture and render these details reimagined through his unique and distinctive style. His knowledge of the history of illustration and animation displays a surprising depth in someone so young, yet he is quick to grasp and utilize new technology and techniques while drawing on his impressive knowledge gleaned from history. Malik also possesses an extraordinary and nearly boundless knowledge of film and television history. His own artwork is infused with and enriched by this profound storehouse of information.”
“Malik Roberts shows up for justice. I’ve run into him at countless actions and meetings over the years, and that same creativity comes out in his artwork, too. He put together a tasteful and fun art show last year, with accompanying theme music organized to represent each piece, as he shared his process and the meaning of his various art pieces. Power to the People, and go ‘head, Malik!”
“Malik Roberts' interest in politics and actions as an anti-poverty advocate frequently appear in his remarkable mixed-media works. Present right alongside his artistic craft is his combined knowledge of both art and cinematic history, a particularly enjoyable slant to encounter as a viewer of his uncanny artisanship. Malik's pieces often reflect on a theme of time, sometimes centering on reminiscent topics, and in other instances, a razor-sharp focus on issues of present-day concern... Whatever concept flows from Malik's imaginative mind through his skillful hand rarely disappoints its onlookers.”
“Malik is one of the most dedicated artists I know. He has a vision for his work that is informed by an abiding love of early animation, a deep knowledge of film history, and an aesthetic sense that is all his own. I am greatly excited about The Westmiller Bros. He's bringing meticulous care to its story and its vintage setting, which will say something about the world we're living in today. Malik has a kind nature and an infectious drive to make great art, exciting stories, and beautiful animation. I am glad indeed to call him my friend.”
“Malik is a creative powerhouse. Give him a project and watch him take it away with verve and intellect. I had the honor of working with him for over a year, during which time he constantly impressed me with his encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture, his sense of humor, and his commitment to humanism through his art.”
“...Malik struck me as a dedicated student with a passion for the history of filmmaking – particularly old Hollywood lore... Malik is very supportive of his fellow artists, always in attendance to the many art exhibitions and networking events held by the Atlanta artistic community... His actions of being curious and concerned for other artists' well-being reflects an endearing quality of spirit. I’m very proud to know this amazing young man and look forward to seeing what work he creates in his promising future – this website will be a wonderful window into the mind of this kind-hearted and thought-provoking artist.”
“I have known Malik Roberts since he was a 7-year-old, working diligently to meet his Occupational Therapy and educational goals while constantly creating. Though many of his peers at that time may have been climbing on the playground or running on the soccer field, Malik was clearly destined for art. As a young child, his early art was deeply influenced by stories, cartoons, and classical music. Overtime, this blossomed to include the influence of film, current events, broader genres of music (i.e. jazz, pop, folk), and history. He has learned to harness his strengths to meticulously and thoughtfully design each of his pieces. He has not only grown as an artist, but as someone who is able to weave his own story, as a person with Autism, alongside the stories, history, and meaning of his art. It has been a joy to see Malik’s growth and maturity and his art can truly be enjoyed by all!”
“I first met Malik Roberts when he was in fifth grade, and his outstanding artistic abilities were very evident from the beginning. He was heavily influenced by the animations of Walt Disney and Warner Bros. While many young children may have dreamt of being an animator and spent hours copying images from their favorite cartoons, Malik made his images from memory. While he had a particular love for animation, Malik fully engaged in a variety of media and disciplines. As Malik developed his artistic skills he began developing his own style, even in his early years through high school… It has been an overwhelming delight to see how much his talent has exploded; as seen in so many of his current pieces. While you can see some elements from his early years, there is a profound sense of excitement in the way he utilizes bold colors, turning out intriguing images and compositions that truly are in a class of their own. Malik’s signature style is not just a reflection of his artistic talent but also reflects a depth from a variety of his life experiences.”
Malik Roberts | Illustrator & Film Historian
Photography by David Clifton-Strawn, Ginger Tontaveetong, Dezhane King & Tracey M. Hawkins
Copyright © 2023 Malik Roberts. All Rights Reserved.
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