At Home With Jaleel
Jaleel posing in his closet, 2024 captured by Malcolm Taylor
Story By Sincere Kincaid
An Artist’s Journey Through Growth, Black Representation, and the Power of Telling Queer Stories
Syracuse-based artist Jaleel Campbell has always known that his calling extends beyond creating stunning visual art. For the past few years, his digital illustrations, handcrafted dolls, and public engagements have amplified the voices of Black and queer communities. Now, fully moved into his new studio in downtown Syracuse, a major exhibition, and his 30th birthday on the horizon, Jaleel is reflecting on his journey—one that’s deeply intertwined with his art, his community, and his vision for the future.
Jaleel posing in new studio, 2024 captured by Malcolm Taylor
“I’ve spent a lot of my twenties figuring out who I am as a person and as an artist. Now, I’m entering this next phase with more clarity, more purpose.”
A New Chapter in a New Space
It’s been a whirlwind two years for Jaleel, but the second iteration of Jaleel Campbell Studios marks a pivotal moment. “It’s more than just an apartment,” he shares. “It’s my sanctuary place and where I go to recalibrate.” This studio is more than an artistic playground for Jaleel. It’s a hub for continued creative expression. “I am the kind of person that switches things up often to stay inspired. My studio space is no exception.” His Off The Hook Crochet Club, a space for Black and Brown fiber artists, is just one of the many community-driven initiatives Jaleel envisions growing within the walls of his new space. “This is only the beginning,” he says. “I want this studio to be a place where we can continue to gather and celebrate one another.”
Giving very much Emerald City Sequence, 2024 captured by Malcolm Taylor
On Turning 30
As Jaleel reflects on his upcoming 30th birthday in a few months, the milestone feels particularly significant. “Turning 30 is a big deal for me,” he admits. “I’ve spent a lot of my twenties figuring out who I am as a person and as an artist. Now, I’m entering this next phase with more clarity, more purpose.” He recounts memories from his childhood—being a creative, expressive kid who wasn’t always sure how to navigate his identity. “I grew up in a space where queerness wasn’t talked about or affirmed, especially in the Black community. But I knew, even back then, that art would be my way of expressing the things I couldn’t say out loud.” Approaching 30, Jaleel feels more comfortable in his skin than ever. “I’m not hiding anymore,” he says. “I’m not just creating art; I’m creating conversations, community, and a legacy.”
Black Public Art in Syracuse: The Urgent Need
One thing Jaleel is passionate about is the lack of Black public art in Syracuse. “It’s actually insane that I don’t have a mural up somewhere in Syracuse yet. Because I’m a digital artist the process look a little different but is 100 percent doable,” he explains. “Syracuse is a city with a heavy Black presence, yet we don’t see that celebrated in our public spaces. That needs to change.” Public art is a way to reclaim space, to say ‘We are here, and we are important. A Jaleel campbell mural would act as a symbol of progress for the black experience here.” His vision is bigger than just murals—it’s about creating an ecosystem of Black artists who feel supported and valued. “It’s about creating a narrative that reflects the community. Black people deserve to see themselves in the art that surrounds them.”
Boss Era, 2024 Captured by Malcolm Taylor
The Hue Arts Fellowship and Becoming an Arts Administrator
This year, Jaleel received the prestigious Hue Arts Fellowship, an honor that further solidifies his role not just as an artist but as a future arts administrator. “The fellowship has been such a blessing,” he says. “It’s allowing me to expand my role beyond creating and into leadership.” Becoming an arts administrator is a natural progression for Jaleel. “As an artist, I’ve always been about community, but now I want to be more involved in the decision-making processes that affects us. I want to be at the table when conversations about funding, representation, and resources are happening.” For him, the role of an arts administrator is about ensuring future generations have opportunities he didn’t always see. “It’s important that artists from marginalized groups not only have spaces to create but that they also have access to the resources and support needed to thrive. The Hue Arts Fellowship is giving me the tools to help build that infrastructure.”
A la In Secrecy Betch, 2024 Captured by Malcolm Taylor
"In Secrecy": Telling the Untold Stories of Black Queer Men
Perhaps the most personal project on Jaleel’s horizon is his newly released series In Secrecy, which debuted on November 9th at ArtRage Gallery. The series is an intimate exploration of the lives of Black queer men, many of whom have lived their lives in secrecy due to societal pressures. “I wanted to create something that spoke directly to the experiences of men who are still navigating their identity in spaces that aren’t always safe,” Jaleel explains. “In Secrecy is about the double lives, the trauma, but also the moments of joy and release that come with finding spaces where you can be yourself.” The series, which includes 14 large-scale illustrations and onsite programming, is deeply rooted in Jaleel’s own experiences. “There’s so much shame and stigma around being a Black gay man. I wanted to create something that felt real, that felt honest.” Through In Secrecy, Jaleel hopes to spark conversations around homophobia within the Black community and the long-term effects it has on mental health. “We need to have these conversations,” he says. “I want this series to be a space for healing, for people to share their stories and feel seen.”
Icon Living, 2024 Captured by Malcolm Taylor
A Legacy in the Making
As Jaleel Campbell prepares to enter his thirties, his focus is clear. “I’m building something that lasts,” he says. “I want to be remembered not just for my art but for the impact I’ve made in my community.” From the opening of his studio to the launch of his In Secrecy series, Jaleel is using every opportunity to uplift, inspire, and create change. “I know the power of art,” he says with conviction. “It’s not just about what we create, but the legacy we leave behind.”