Human Landscapes: Mystery of the Mark

The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Art Museum presents "Dr. Eric Kelly III: Human Landscapes; Mystery of The Mark," the artist's first solo museum exhibition in over 40 years and a celebrated return to Durham, North Carolina, the city where his artistic journey began. The exhibit will run through Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Featuring over 50 paintings and works on paper spanning the 1980s to the 2020s, the exhibition showcases Kelly's signature blend of realism and abstract expressionism, defined by bold lines, vivid colors and emotive forms. Central to his work is the human figure and the pursuit of capturing universal emotions.

My art is not to be seen. It is to be felt, heard and remembered," says Kelly. "Color is not just pigment, it is prophecy. Sound is not just vibration, it is vision. My work is my answer to injustice and my offering to world peace."

Kelly's art draws inspiration from his travels and personal experiences, from Durham's historic Hayti district to the streets of Los Angeles, transforming portraits into powerful expressions of the human spirit. A graduate of NCCU, Kelly began his artistic path in high school under the mentorship of Sandra Dowd. After founding a successful advertising agency, Kelly Worldwide, he retired at 45 to devote himself fully to painting.

The exhibition explores identity, memory and emotion, featuring everything from pencil sketches to vibrant acrylics. It coincides with two new publications: a critical anthology on Kelly's work and "Human Landscapes," authored by the artist, offering personal insight into his legacy.

Location and Hours

The NCCU Art Museum is located at 580 East Lawson St., across from the Farrison-Newton Communications Building on the campus of NCCU. The museum is accessible to physically challenged visitors. The museum is opened on Sunday, 2-4 p.m., and Tuesday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For general information or assistance, call 919-530-6211. For group visits, please call in advance. Admission is free.