Richard Jamal Echols is a visual artist from Memphis, TN. Known on social media as @visualsbytheartist and @richy.the.artist, Richard is a painter, graphic designer, photographer, videographer, and all-encompassing artist.
From drawing to painting to graphic designs to photography to video, I just love using visuals to communicate, express myself, and create.
Richard’s art is deeply influenced by Memphis culture and community, shaping his identity and creativity.
Memphis was the start
Growing up in Memphis, he was introduced to art by his older brother who was a key early inspiration, sparking his fascination with drawing and creative expression. Family remains his strongest influence and motivation. Richard views himself as their representative through his art and feels accountable to uphold that legacy.
Memphis is the place that fueled a lot of my early inspirations.
See his work in and around Memphis
Ever walked through the new and improved Memphis International Airport and noticed all the art around you? Yeah, that was intentional. Memphis artists, like Richard Echols, are featured there.
In partnership with the UrbanArt Commission, where Richard now works, this curated collection at Memphis International Airport is a major cultural touchpoint for visitors and locals. This collection, highlighting local Memphis artists exclusively, serves as an accessible introduction to the city’s visual arts scene for travelers.
Not only being part of that collection and being in the airport is amazing. It's also amazing to be aligned with and display my art with local artists as well. And knowing that this was prioritized for the Memphis-based artists
Richard’s work has also been featured at the Brooks Museum of Art, the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, and more.
Focus on Black Culture and Representation
Richard consciously centers Black culture and identity in his art to fill gaps in representation and legacy.
I find joy in it highlighting people that look like me and highlighting my culture and my art...I'm not painting anything that I don't know about. I'm not painting people that I don't know or I don't have access to. And it's cool to see these people be memorialized or eternalized...They get to live on in a very unique way that they might not ever have.
He chooses to reflect his immediate cultural surroundings rather than force broader diversity, following advice from a professor to paint what he knows best. His work addresses historical underrepresentation and aims to contribute honestly to the ongoing narrative of Black art and people. Richard feels a responsibility to represent his community authentically, recognizing that many in his circle see him as their first introduction to professional art. This intentionality adds pressure but also drives him to create honest, meaningful work that honors his cultural heritage.
Every day we're making history. Every day we're making art history. What can I contribute to the legacy of art or the legacy of people?
Richard’s advice for the next generation
You can do whatever you put your mind to...I want the youth to be able to grasp onto this early that there's nothing or anyone or anything that's going to be in between your dreams, your goals, and whatever you want to do outside of yourself...Don't underestimate your own power.
What’s next?
Richard plans to evolve his art toward clearer, intentional messaging that reflects his varied perspectives and sense of responsibility. He wants his work to carry purposeful messages, not just abstract visuals, aiming to affect and provoke thought in his audience. Richard acknowledges the power and responsibility that come with his artistic voice and is open to the possibility of controversy or mixed reception.
Overall, his goal is to use his art therapeutically for himself and others, turning creativity into a vehicle for expression and impact. This strategic shift signals a maturation in his practice, moving from process-focused to message-driven work that aligns with his evolving worldview. But his credit goes back to the 901…
I'm nothing without Memphis.
