A Prisoner in my own mind, 2021
“Art is part of who I am. It's how I interpret and experience the world around me.”
I'm Brian Tolbert, a visual artist based in Washington, DC. This site brings together my work, writing, and the ideas shaping my practice. It's a record of where I've been, what I'm exploring now, and how the work continues to change as I do.
The Work
My work grouped by series and material. Start with a series or browse the full collection.
The Archive
I've gathered information about myself, my exhibition history, press and records that trace my work over time.
Studio Notes
I write about the ideas, questions, and experiences that follow me into the studio.
Conversations
I keep a record of talks, events, and the conversations that grow around the work.
Studio Note · September 18, 2026
What We Choose to Keep
Jerrell Gibbs's Come home with me sent me back to my own family memories, and to the question of who gets to keep our stories.
Conversations
Based in D.C., Brian Tolbert shares what he had to overcome to build a full-time art practice.
The Artist Cut
Watch on YouTube
Optional · Email updates
Let's talk art.
An occasional note from me when new work, Studio Notes, or events are posted. Entirely optional — everything is also on this site and in the RSS feed. Unsubscribe anytime.