Behind entrepreneur, creative, and personal-branding exemplar, Marlon White is an intimate art collection. With roughly 60 artworks, the PG-county native has an established collection that primarily consists of canvas and printed artworks that speak to the cultural foundations of his life. While he continuously soaks in the DC art scene and all the emerging talent it has to offer, White’s collection has grown from experiences and inspiration outside the DC area. After an hour of breaking down the distinctions of Marlon’s taste and motives as an art collector, it’s evident that his collection is more than just a matter of personal ambition.

On starting his art collection 

“In 2016. I curated at The Fridge in Capital Hill with local artists.” White references this experience as when his “love for collecting” first began. He spoke to the importance of galleries like The Fridge for their role in supporting emerging artists in DC; another point of passion for White. Supporting young novices in the art world was another highlight of inspiration for White to find himself as a collector.

On his influences as a collector

In the same year White put on his curator hat at The Fridge, he was first intrigued by producer Swizz Beatz and The Dean Collection’s ‘No Commission NY’ art fair. The fair was designed to provide artists with free exhibition space and benefit from 100 percent of their art sales. The defining moment for White gave motive to his presence at The Fridge. The “what” for White is simply wanting to position himself to genuinely give credence to emerging artists.

On what unites his collection

“They’re all diverse and serve different purposes.” White’s collection consists of a wide range of artists. White made it clear that no piece is alike. The purpose and adoration for each piece is different. White distinguished the “abstract piece in the living room” from the “more creative, or figurative” art in his office. 

The most prized part of his collection

A piece entitled “The Green Box” is White’s most adored amongst the others. The artist, Lex Marie, is a DMV talent whose influences include classical portraiture and sentimental tokens. Her use of a vibrant, pastel pink elicits nostalgia from White; reminding him of familiar scenery in PG county. “If from the area, the green box is a beacon of growing up there.”

The most recent addition to his collection

Ryan Cosbert’s “Fractals” is the latest gem in White’s collection. The Brooklyn-based abstract artist plays with geometric consistencies. Cosbert’s most recent works may excite those who relish the works of Alma Thomas. 

On whether his collection speaks to who he is

“It definitely does. As a creator, son of an immigrant, as an entrepreneur…” The roots of White’s identity can be noted throughout his collection and also define his taste and interests as a collector. 

His earliest art memory

Embellishing a hallway in his childhood home is a painting of older women balancing baskets of fruit on their heads. Marlon recalls the image vividly as it still hangs in his mother’s home today. The painting is thought to acknowledge life in Jamaica; the island that Marlon’s forefathers called home. Second to this artwork, the collector values a photograph of him with his mother and brother.

On whether Black artists have a responsibility to portray the realities of Black life

“Yeah, definitely,” White exclaimed, “They have to be intentional.” White considers it important for Black artists to feel a significant part of Black culture and to “appreciate our culture.” White proceeded to denote artists such as Hebru Brantley and Nina Channel.

The impact of social on the art world

Social media gave rise to the Hypebeasts. In the art world, navigating exhibitions and special works can easily become frustrating for collectors like White. He referred to the “do it for the gram” era being one of the ways social media has negatively impacted the art world. “Majority of people don’t take the time to understand art.” Despite the role of celebrity in the art world, White still believes social media has benefited talented artists who may have otherwise not had such large platforms for the promotion. 

How he navigates the elite tendencies of the art world 

White identified networking and mentorship as the keys to exploring the art world as a collector. After getting serious about collecting during the pandemic, White quickly sought out individuals who would be inviting and provide a sense of guidance. Though White was proud to be connected to collectors who have years ahead of him, he emphasized the importance of “showing up for artists before they blow up.”

On what makes the DC art scene unique

Just days after returning from Paris, White answered with the assurance that he still finds DC’s art scene to be distinguished from other cities he’s explored. “It’s still Chocolate City,” White stated. He considers D.C. to be overwhelming with Black talent. He also mentioned the presence, and relevance, of D.C.’s Black-owned galleries. “Black people do very well here.” 

Art world personalities we should know

• Emmanuel Massillon
• Lex Marie
• Ryan Cosbert
• Henry Swanson
• Yam Shalev
• Gambriel Wills
• Demetrius Butler 
• Darryl Atwell