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Artist Spotlight: Maurice Ivory Wilson
Maurice Ivory Wilson (he/him) is a Richmond-based photographer working primarily with film, and member of VisArts’ Spring/Summer 2026 cohort of Studio Access Residents. His work documents loved ones and communities he deeply values, exploring their lived experiences with care and curiosity. Rooted in the traditions of street photography and darkroom practice, he creates images that reflect both personal connection and a broader social perspective.
Wilson works with several local organizations, including serving as a volunteer photographer for Art 180, a darkroom studio monitor at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, and a member of the media team at The Mount Carmel Baptist Church. His work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions in Virginia, and three of his photographs were recently on view in the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia’s Bodies of Labor exhibit.
We shadowed Maurice in the VisArts darkroom early in his residency and discussed family as both muse and subject, artists that inspire him, and where he’s going next in his artistic journey.
VisArts: How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Maurice: I am an image maker and photographer based in Richmond, but soon to be Baltimore, Maryland. With film being my predominant approach, l incorporate traditional practices such as film development and darkroom printing into my work. I enjoy exploring themes of family, faith, identity and community, and am looking forward to expanding my research in these areas as an MFA candidate at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in the Photography + Media and Society program this fall.
What was your first interaction with VisArts?
The first time I remember coming here was for an art sale in 2021 or 2022, where I bought some ceramic bowls.
It didn’t click until later in 2023 though—when I was looking online for darkroom studios to learn how to develop film and print images—how much of a gem and resource that this space is. I took an Intro To The Darkroom course and pretty much haven’t left since. I credit both as safe spaces that have helped me grow in my artistry.
Maurice with a print of a photo taken at a family gathering.
What are you working on during your residency?
These past few months have been very interesting. That may not be the most accurate word, but it feels suitable for now. I’ve been in a serious state of grief.
I recently took a 29-day solo trip to Colombia. I was initially excited to share stories and discoveries from my trip and display all the beautiful images that came from my journey there. But I feel that would be inauthentic right now. This year, I lost both my aunt and my brother in a matter of 3 months. And with family being such a prevalent topic in my work, I feel it’s time to create from and speak to this season. Most of the images I’m creating and printing during this residency will be from a 3-4 month period of the different stages of that grief, and the unity that has been helping me persevere.
How were you drawn to photography?
Photography is something I think I’ve always had a deep affinity and love for. I was the kid who would stare at and repeatedly go through my school yearbooks. I was also the kid (and now adult) who would pull out all the pictures and photo albums that my folks had stored away collecting dust, and marvel over the images, asking about the stories and names attached to each one.
Entering the medium, I understood there was a gap in the history and documentation pertaining to my family, so I made it my duty to photograph on every occasion possible in an attempt to fill that void. In doing such and teaching myself, I started to learn about great artists and photographers that did similar things and excelled in storytelling with their work. Artists such as Gordon Parks, Roy DeCarava, Louis Draper and the Kamoinge Workshop—as well as many others—drew me in even more.
Growing from my initial intent to create and preserve family history, I’ve expanded to the communities I’ve been fortunate to be a part of: Churchill neighborhood, RVA, my church family at The Mount Carmel Baptist Church, places I travel to, etc.
In the VisArts darkroom.
What are some of your sources of inspiration?
Oh goodness, everything. Books. History. I love James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, Amiri Baraka, Nikki Giovanni… so many. I love music. Kendrick, JID, Tyler, Dave, Sampha, Solange. Jazz. Of course visual art, in addition to who I already named: Romare Bearden, Carrie Mae Weems, Ming Smith. I’m inspired by Richmond artists that I know personally, who have taught me much—Alvin Lester and Theodore Holmes. Fashion. People watching. I’m inspired by so much. Getting outside and touching grass inspires me. I’ll be here for hours answering this.
Maurice with some of his favorite sources of inspiration.
What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer?
The truth. We all have senses, and experiences that help develop them. But sometimes, depending on the experience, I believe we try to numb those senses. Right now, I’m not trying to escape or run from those. I’m communicating the breakthrough that happens when we choose to be honest about them.
Learn more about Maurice + his work: Instagram: @_mauriceivory | Website: mauriceivory.com
Interests and opinions expressed by artists-in-residence are their own. Learn more about VisArts’ organizational values and code of conduct.