Duel show features two unique Ohio autistic artists who thrive on creating art for fun and relief. We welcome Cleveland-based artist Lathan Aaron Barksdale and Columbus artist Tim Blackwell to the gallery space this February for the collab show – Monster Mash.

“I am such a huge fan of Tim and Lathan’s artwork. Both gifted autistic artists with wild imaginations,” said The Awesome Company and The Awesome Gallery Founder Jacquie Mahan. “I knew Tim and Lathan would have fun showing their artwork together because they both deeply care about the characters and monsters they create.”

Lathan Barksdale, a teenager from Shaker Heights, is known for his boundless creativity and unique perspective. He is the creator of The Popstarians, a vibrant collection of cartoons that celebrates diversity and the community around him. His characters come from all walks of life, and he draws inspiration from the everyday world around him. He transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary art.

This will be Tim Blackwell’s second gallery show in Columbus. He’s thrilled to showcase a new series of colorful drawings he’s made by hand. The painting pens he is using are a new direction for Tim and show how much he is growing as an artist and person. Various animals, objects, mythology, favorite TV shows, and video games inspire his artwork. His artwork allows him to export the exciting visions in his head onto paper. His artwork is how he communicates who he is and how he feels with people.

“Both artists use bold and expressive colors,” muses Mahan. “The most exciting thing for me is how their artwork exudes playfulness and joy that I think we all need more of in our daily lives. We need to capture joy and smile at the magic more.