Ja Carlos Tatu
Creative Producer
Muralist | Street & Studio Artist
“Woke3” - Awakening heart-mind, body & spirit 𓂀 Commissions open ↓

“The Legacy Mural” 2021 Norf Nashville.
Here’s a few detail shots, more on the way soon. This is something I encourage folks to go out and see in person.
Shout out to @imangeladams @c3.art @etomic3 @keep.3 @overtonarts @sicasso1 @presidentlonely @kealamakai @_.vybekid._ for helping bring this space to life! There’s still more work to do, but for now we celebrate!

“The Legacy Mural” 2021 Norf Nashville.
Here’s a few detail shots, more on the way soon. This is something I encourage folks to go out and see in person.
Shout out to @imangeladams @c3.art @etomic3 @keep.3 @overtonarts @sicasso1 @presidentlonely @kealamakai @_.vybekid._ for helping bring this space to life! There’s still more work to do, but for now we celebrate!

“The Legacy Mural” 2021 Norf Nashville.
Here’s a few detail shots, more on the way soon. This is something I encourage folks to go out and see in person.
Shout out to @imangeladams @c3.art @etomic3 @keep.3 @overtonarts @sicasso1 @presidentlonely @kealamakai @_.vybekid._ for helping bring this space to life! There’s still more work to do, but for now we celebrate!

“The Legacy Mural” 2021 Norf Nashville.
Here’s a few detail shots, more on the way soon. This is something I encourage folks to go out and see in person.
Shout out to @imangeladams @c3.art @etomic3 @keep.3 @overtonarts @sicasso1 @presidentlonely @kealamakai @_.vybekid._ for helping bring this space to life! There’s still more work to do, but for now we celebrate!

“The Legacy Mural” 2021 Norf Nashville.
Here’s a few detail shots, more on the way soon. This is something I encourage folks to go out and see in person.
Shout out to @imangeladams @c3.art @etomic3 @keep.3 @overtonarts @sicasso1 @presidentlonely @kealamakai @_.vybekid._ for helping bring this space to life! There’s still more work to do, but for now we celebrate!

“The Legacy Mural” 2021 Norf Nashville.
Here’s a few detail shots, more on the way soon. This is something I encourage folks to go out and see in person.
Shout out to @imangeladams @c3.art @etomic3 @keep.3 @overtonarts @sicasso1 @presidentlonely @kealamakai @_.vybekid._ for helping bring this space to life! There’s still more work to do, but for now we celebrate!

“The Legacy Mural” 2021 Norf Nashville.
Here’s a few detail shots, more on the way soon. This is something I encourage folks to go out and see in person.
Shout out to @imangeladams @c3.art @etomic3 @keep.3 @overtonarts @sicasso1 @presidentlonely @kealamakai @_.vybekid._ for helping bring this space to life! There’s still more work to do, but for now we celebrate!
A few weeks ago me and the family went to the Legacy Sites Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. One of the things that stuck out was this massive wall of last names.
These names on this wall were names GIVEN or PLACED ONTO US as slaves. You knew which plantation you were on by the last name you were given.
I saw Jenkins, which is my last name currently. It’s a name that I have decided a loooong time ago that I no longer want to keep. I feel that as long as I have that last name, I could never shake off this oppressive energy that has weighed on my family for generations.
The name that I am coming into is Tatu.
Which means all of creation or all realms.
My full name Jamal Carlos Tatu means “Beautiful Free Man in All Realms”
I believe names are powerful and when someone speaks your name you should feel it. It should drive you. Give you a sense of pride.
The name Jenkins not only reminds me of a dark past, it also reminds me of the resilience of my ancestors. I feel great that I am in a space to make a change and take control of this journey I’m on, for my family. But never forgetting my past.
To Live N Freedom is my purpose.
——
#woke3 #legacy #freedom

A few weeks ago me and the family went to the Legacy Sites Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. One of the things that stuck out was this massive wall of last names.
These names on this wall were names GIVEN or PLACED ONTO US as slaves. You knew which plantation you were on by the last name you were given.
I saw Jenkins, which is my last name currently. It’s a name that I have decided a loooong time ago that I no longer want to keep. I feel that as long as I have that last name, I could never shake off this oppressive energy that has weighed on my family for generations.
The name that I am coming into is Tatu.
Which means all of creation or all realms.
My full name Jamal Carlos Tatu means “Beautiful Free Man in All Realms”
I believe names are powerful and when someone speaks your name you should feel it. It should drive you. Give you a sense of pride.
The name Jenkins not only reminds me of a dark past, it also reminds me of the resilience of my ancestors. I feel great that I am in a space to make a change and take control of this journey I’m on, for my family. But never forgetting my past.
To Live N Freedom is my purpose.
——
#woke3 #legacy #freedom

A few weeks ago me and the family went to the Legacy Sites Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. One of the things that stuck out was this massive wall of last names.
These names on this wall were names GIVEN or PLACED ONTO US as slaves. You knew which plantation you were on by the last name you were given.
I saw Jenkins, which is my last name currently. It’s a name that I have decided a loooong time ago that I no longer want to keep. I feel that as long as I have that last name, I could never shake off this oppressive energy that has weighed on my family for generations.
The name that I am coming into is Tatu.
Which means all of creation or all realms.
My full name Jamal Carlos Tatu means “Beautiful Free Man in All Realms”
I believe names are powerful and when someone speaks your name you should feel it. It should drive you. Give you a sense of pride.
The name Jenkins not only reminds me of a dark past, it also reminds me of the resilience of my ancestors. I feel great that I am in a space to make a change and take control of this journey I’m on, for my family. But never forgetting my past.
To Live N Freedom is my purpose.
——
#woke3 #legacy #freedom

A few weeks ago me and the family went to the Legacy Sites Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. One of the things that stuck out was this massive wall of last names.
These names on this wall were names GIVEN or PLACED ONTO US as slaves. You knew which plantation you were on by the last name you were given.
I saw Jenkins, which is my last name currently. It’s a name that I have decided a loooong time ago that I no longer want to keep. I feel that as long as I have that last name, I could never shake off this oppressive energy that has weighed on my family for generations.
The name that I am coming into is Tatu.
Which means all of creation or all realms.
My full name Jamal Carlos Tatu means “Beautiful Free Man in All Realms”
I believe names are powerful and when someone speaks your name you should feel it. It should drive you. Give you a sense of pride.
The name Jenkins not only reminds me of a dark past, it also reminds me of the resilience of my ancestors. I feel great that I am in a space to make a change and take control of this journey I’m on, for my family. But never forgetting my past.
To Live N Freedom is my purpose.
——
#woke3 #legacy #freedom

A few weeks ago me and the family went to the Legacy Sites Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. One of the things that stuck out was this massive wall of last names.
These names on this wall were names GIVEN or PLACED ONTO US as slaves. You knew which plantation you were on by the last name you were given.
I saw Jenkins, which is my last name currently. It’s a name that I have decided a loooong time ago that I no longer want to keep. I feel that as long as I have that last name, I could never shake off this oppressive energy that has weighed on my family for generations.
The name that I am coming into is Tatu.
Which means all of creation or all realms.
My full name Jamal Carlos Tatu means “Beautiful Free Man in All Realms”
I believe names are powerful and when someone speaks your name you should feel it. It should drive you. Give you a sense of pride.
The name Jenkins not only reminds me of a dark past, it also reminds me of the resilience of my ancestors. I feel great that I am in a space to make a change and take control of this journey I’m on, for my family. But never forgetting my past.
To Live N Freedom is my purpose.
——
#woke3 #legacy #freedom

A few weeks ago me and the family went to the Legacy Sites Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. One of the things that stuck out was this massive wall of last names.
These names on this wall were names GIVEN or PLACED ONTO US as slaves. You knew which plantation you were on by the last name you were given.
I saw Jenkins, which is my last name currently. It’s a name that I have decided a loooong time ago that I no longer want to keep. I feel that as long as I have that last name, I could never shake off this oppressive energy that has weighed on my family for generations.
The name that I am coming into is Tatu.
Which means all of creation or all realms.
My full name Jamal Carlos Tatu means “Beautiful Free Man in All Realms”
I believe names are powerful and when someone speaks your name you should feel it. It should drive you. Give you a sense of pride.
The name Jenkins not only reminds me of a dark past, it also reminds me of the resilience of my ancestors. I feel great that I am in a space to make a change and take control of this journey I’m on, for my family. But never forgetting my past.
To Live N Freedom is my purpose.
——
#woke3 #legacy #freedom
Woke3 Studios is a visual storytelling arts studio.
We create murals, illustration, and custom art that help people, brands, and communities communicate clearly and connect deeper.
• Murals and public art
• Illustration for brands, books, and campaigns
• Custom installations and immersive experiences
• Workshops and community engagement
If you’re looking to bring your vision to life visually, let’s build.
Now booking projects and collaborations.
#muralartist #illustrationartist #publicart #visualstorytelling #customart

It’s some real haters out there…still don’t stop nothing.
Thank you to @thrivehelena and all the young folks who came to participate. Once the work is out there you have to let it go and let it be.
Helena Arkansas is wild haha!
____
#woke3 #graffiti #artworkshop

It’s some real haters out there…still don’t stop nothing.
Thank you to @thrivehelena and all the young folks who came to participate. Once the work is out there you have to let it go and let it be.
Helena Arkansas is wild haha!
____
#woke3 #graffiti #artworkshop

It’s some real haters out there…still don’t stop nothing.
Thank you to @thrivehelena and all the young folks who came to participate. Once the work is out there you have to let it go and let it be.
Helena Arkansas is wild haha!
____
#woke3 #graffiti #artworkshop
It’s some real haters out there…still don’t stop nothing.
Thank you to @thrivehelena and all the young folks who came to participate. Once the work is out there you have to let it go and let it be.
Helena Arkansas is wild haha!
____
#woke3 #graffiti #artworkshop
It’s some real haters out there…still don’t stop nothing.
Thank you to @thrivehelena and all the young folks who came to participate. Once the work is out there you have to let it go and let it be.
Helena Arkansas is wild haha!
____
#woke3 #graffiti #artworkshop

It’s some real haters out there…still don’t stop nothing.
Thank you to @thrivehelena and all the young folks who came to participate. Once the work is out there you have to let it go and let it be.
Helena Arkansas is wild haha!
____
#woke3 #graffiti #artworkshop

It’s some real haters out there…still don’t stop nothing.
Thank you to @thrivehelena and all the young folks who came to participate. Once the work is out there you have to let it go and let it be.
Helena Arkansas is wild haha!
____
#woke3 #graffiti #artworkshop

“Protection”
“May I be protected from energy that doesn’t serve me and may I put out the energy I want to receive back”
Asè
24” x 24”
Acrylic on wood
Available now | Make an offer
——
#woke3 #acrylicpainting #dopeart #artfido #acryliconwood

“Protection”
“May I be protected from energy that doesn’t serve me and may I put out the energy I want to receive back”
Asè
24” x 24”
Acrylic on wood
Available now | Make an offer
——
#woke3 #acrylicpainting #dopeart #artfido #acryliconwood

Interested in learning how I approach mural painting and my full creative process? DM me here and let’s schedule a time to connect.
I’m also available for graphic design, custom artwork, murals, hand painted branding elements, logo work, and visual storytelling for spaces and brands.
Let’s build something meaningful.
This mural was done for J’s Grocery in Clarksdale, MS.
———
#woke3 #muralpainting #artfido #farmers #blackfarmers
A few months ago I finished up the next installment for @bellevuerockband
Chuck Berry and Joan Jett.
Thank you @cpdrumming for reaching out to me! Keep rocin!!
——
#woke3 #chuckberry #joanjett #muralart #dopeart
Few weeks ago, in Helena Arkansas, I got to lead a master class on aerosol painting. Me and the students practiced using the doodle grid method and painting portraits. I painted a pic of Bobby Rush as a request from the owner of the building. Shoutout to @thrivehelena for having me and @arthistoryclassllg for the hook up.
——
#woke3 #helenaarkansas #thrivecenter #artfido #bobbyrush
Come chill out with me at the studio while I work on the final piece of the “I Am” series! Bring a sketchbook or anything you’re working on and come create with me. Bring a pillow or a blanket and come relax and breathe.
Feb 5-March 8
At @theforgenashville
Open studio hours
Tues-Thurs
10 am-6 pm
I AM N Tune
Chill. Create. Listen.
Fri-Sat
6-9 pm
——-
#woke3 #nashvilleart #theforgenashville #artfido #dopeart

“I AM…In The Studio”
On view at @theforgenashville
February 5th – March 8th 2026
Opening Reception
Thursday, Feb. 5th | 6–9 PM
Shoutout to @ghostguevara and @blackonblackonblonde for curating this! Yall have really made this special! Couldn’t have done it without yall!
——
I AM is a declaration. A statement of who you are spoken to an ever-listening universe. I AM exists without qualification, before productivity, branding, or use. It is manifestive power, grounding and shaping the self through truth spoken from the heart and body rather than the mind, aligning with what is real within you and with those who resonate around you.
——
#woke3 #soloexhibition #iam #theforgenashville #nashvilleart

“I AM…In The Studio”
On view at @theforgenashville
February 5th – March 8th 2026
Opening Reception
Thursday, Feb. 5th | 6–9 PM
Shoutout to @ghostguevara and @blackonblackonblonde for curating this! Yall have really made this special! Couldn’t have done it without yall!
——
I AM is a declaration. A statement of who you are spoken to an ever-listening universe. I AM exists without qualification, before productivity, branding, or use. It is manifestive power, grounding and shaping the self through truth spoken from the heart and body rather than the mind, aligning with what is real within you and with those who resonate around you.
——
#woke3 #soloexhibition #iam #theforgenashville #nashvilleart

“I AM…In The Studio”
On view at @theforgenashville
February 5th – March 8th 2026
Opening Reception
Thursday, Feb. 5th | 6–9 PM
Shoutout to @ghostguevara and @blackonblackonblonde for curating this! Yall have really made this special! Couldn’t have done it without yall!
——
I AM is a declaration. A statement of who you are spoken to an ever-listening universe. I AM exists without qualification, before productivity, branding, or use. It is manifestive power, grounding and shaping the self through truth spoken from the heart and body rather than the mind, aligning with what is real within you and with those who resonate around you.
——
#woke3 #soloexhibition #iam #theforgenashville #nashvilleart
“I AM…In The Studio”
On view at @theforgenashville
February 5th – March 8th 2026
Opening Reception
Thursday, Feb. 5th | 6–9 PM
——
I AM is a declaration. A statement of who you are spoken to an ever-listening universe. I AM exists without qualification, before productivity, branding, or use. It is manifestive power, grounding and shaping the self through truth spoken from the heart and body rather than the mind, aligning with what is real within you and with those who resonate around you.
——
#woke3 #soloexhibition #iam #theforgenashville #nashvilleart

The Forge is proud to present 'I AM … in the studio', a new immersive exhibition by artist in residence Woke 3, opening Thursday, February 5, 6:00 to 9:00 PM!
This body of work uses portraiture as a metaphor for how identity is shaped, commodified, consumed, preserved, or discarded within capitalist systems. The figures are painted on repurposed industrial posters, materials tied to labor, branding, product exchange, and mass production. Within this context, the poster functions as both surface and symbol, representing systems that assign value, utility, and visibility.
As these figures exist on materials meant to advertise, sell, or instruct, they become positioned as products themselves. Their bodies mirror the logic of consumption that governs labor economies and food systems, where bodies are harvested, traded, and extracted for value. This framework draws from the history of the United States, where people of African descent were forced into labor and treated as commodities within economic systems built on exploitation.
That logic has not disappeared. It has shifted form. Today, bodies continue to be disciplined, surveilled, and extracted through modern labor systems built on precarity, disposability, and unequal access to power. Labor remains racialized, bodies remain categorized, and value is still assigned based on productivity rather than humanity.
In this context, the work resists erasure. Painting on disposable materials becomes an act of preservation. What was meant to be temporary is slowed down. What was meant to be used up is made visible.
The title 'I AM' functions as a declaration. It asserts existence without qualification, before productivity, branding, or use. The figures are not idealized or heroic. They are present. Identity here is not a product to be consumed, but a lived experience that endures within and beyond the systems that attempt to contain it.
See you at the show!
'I AM … in the studio'
Opening: Feb 5th, 6-9pm / On view through March 8th, 2026.
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