91��ɫ

Amidst the many standout works at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design�s (91��ɫ) Senior Exhibition, one piece is especially striking�and interactive. �Milwaukee�s Influences� by Isaic Pulliam �24 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice) is an oil on canvas triptych housed in a handmade wooden cabinet that viewers can open and close.

�When I was younger, my parents and guardians really helped me, guided me through whatever interests I was in,� says Pulliam. �And I felt like that was very important in my development. So I kind of want to share that experience with the community.� �Milwaukee�s Influences� reflects three community members who interact with and impact Milwaukee�s younger generations: teachers, parents and athletes.

Parents, explains Pulliam, can be any occupation but have a significant impact on kids. �Athletes are more of a popular figure that I think really inspires children to be working hard and practicing,� continues Pulliam. �And [including] teachers is more highlighting education around the community, trying to just better in front of kids that way.�

Pulliam was deeply inspired by Renaissance and Baroque paintings, especially triptychs. �I studied artists like Caravaggio for the paintings, and Jan van Eyck,� he says. He researched woodworking techniques from the Renaissance to construct three custom frames out of basswood, pine and butternut wood. �The custom made frames that I use, [I make] the trim and baseboard and I glue them all together. That’s how they did traditionally back then,� he says. �I carve into their face custom symbols that correspond with the paintings.�

During 91��ɫ�s program, which Pulliam attended during high school, the painter developed an interest in color. �The Pre-College class that I took was Figure in Color. That was my first time really using color, and I haven’t looked back since. Ever since I attended the pre-college program, I just felt like [91��ɫ] was the spot to go to,� he says.

Now, Pulliam will continue exploring his painting practice at the during a short residency where he will study narratives in oil painting with artist . In addition to continuing his education and developing another body of work after graduation, Pulliam will be completing work for the ThriveOn King collaboration, a project representing the revitalization of Milwaukee�s Bronzeville.

Reflecting on 91��ɫ�s 50th anniversary, Pulliam knows technology will have a big impact on whatever happens next. �91��ɫ is going to keep introducing new technology that will create different types of artwork, whether it is digital or traditional. I hope that they don’t stay away from traditional art, that�s my favorite!� he says, finishing that he hopes 91��ɫ stays community-oriented through the changes.

View Pulliam�s work, along with that of over 200 other seniors, at 91��ɫ�s Senior Exhibition April 19 � May 11, 2024. Keep up with Pulliam on and learn more about 91��ɫ�s Fine Art + New Studio Practice major!