Terry Joshua

The Pinkest Hue

Nov 19, 2021-Jan 2, 2022

Terry Joshua, Symptoms of the Unsaid, 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 36 in. (121.92 x 91.44 cm). Courtesy the artist.

Presented in partnership w/ Museum of Creative Human Art and moCa Cleveland

Presented by the Museum of Creative Human Art, Terry Joshua’s first solo exhibition, The Pinkest Hue, brings together new paintings, sound, video, and writing that chronicle his journey from adolescence into adulthood. Beginning with a self-portrait as a young boy, the artist’s paintings act as a visual diary exploring the relationships that have shaped him—with his mother, lovers, God, and himself. Joshua uses his work to forge new connections with his audiences. Each painting is thoughtfully paired with a poem, journal entry, or proverb, and supported by a song to create an intimate environment that underscores the importance of relationship-building.

Presented in partnership w/

About the Artist


Terry Joshua
Terry Joshua Terry Joshua, born to his mother S. Marie Johnson in Cleveland, Ohio, dates his earliest memory of creating art to exploring feelings he couldn’t articulate with words. Throughout his upbringing, he was immersed in poverty, often moving every couple of months to yearly. As a result, his art began to speak to and about his environment. By his teen years, Joshua had experienced various emotional and mental hardships that shaped his outlook on life. While being outspoken in school and involved in art programs, he would not put a brush to canvas until he was 18, during his junior year in high school. Although this first painting was the catalyst to his career as a visual artist, it was not a decision he chose; he recalls being forced by his art teacher to, “paint or fail.” Not only did this painting earn the artist a passing grade, but sent him on a journey into self-discovery, trauma, and confidence in his life and artistic abilities. Joshua characterizes his painting as a “visual love letter” both to those who support him and to the people that have shaped him and his perspective.

Terry Joshua

Terry Joshua, born to his mother S. Marie Johnson in Cleveland, Ohio, dates his earliest memory of creating art to exploring feelings he couldn’t articulate with words. Throughout his upbringing, he was immersed in poverty, often moving every couple of months to yearly. As a result, his art began to speak to and about his environment. By his teen years, Joshua had experienced various emotional and mental hardships that shaped his outlook on life. While being outspoken in school and involved in art programs, he would not put a brush to canvas until he was 18, during his junior year in high school. Although this first painting was the catalyst to his career as a visual artist, it was not a decision he chose; he recalls being forced by his art teacher to, “paint or fail.” Not only did this painting earn the artist a passing grade, but sent him on a journey into self-discovery, trauma, and confidence in his life and artistic abilities. Joshua characterizes his painting as a “visual love letter” both to those who support him and to the people that have shaped him and his perspective.