Written by Matthew Moore

In our lifetime, we occasionally encounter moments that leave us momentarily speechless. These moments become increasingly rare as we grow accustomed to the world around us, its patterns, and its expectations. The artist we’re discussing today spent years working toward one of those rare moments, a moment that left us in wonder, curiosity, and a quiet sense of inspiration.

When we think of artwork, we often imagine paintings, sculptures, and a set of unwritten rules that artists tend to follow. Every so often, however, someone steps outside of that rulebook and ventures into less charted territory. This creative voyager, hailing from South Side Chicago, is Roger J. Carter. 

Roger J. Carter’s work and creative process were later featured in a New Yorker documentary exploring his reinterpretation of history, material, and Black identity.

"When I was a kid back in the 1980's, I was immediately drawn to graffiti and street art. At that time it wasn't very popular to see it but I loved the fact that it was an open form of self expression. From then on I fell in love with art."

The Foundation

From a young age, Roger found himself drawing friends in the classroom while navigating formal education. At school, he often felt there was more to life than what was being taught. Art became an escape from a world where inspiration felt limited.

While that escape resembled love at first sight, his passion did not fully ignite until adulthood. In high school, art took a backseat as Roger climbed the ranks of his basketball team in hopes of becoming a professional athlete. When that path ended after college, creativity was waiting to welcome him back.

"I remember when I got back into it. I said to myself, I'm going all the way with this. I'm going to do what I want, how I want. The approach was unapologetic and I think that's the way art should be. Instead of doing what you think is cool, it should come from your soul." 

An Experiment Gone Right

So how does an artist move from painting on canvas to constructing portraits from toy soldiers? The answer is experimentation. Through countless hours of testing materials and forms, Roger gradually arrived at a language that felt both personal and purposeful.

Early experiments included vintage records cut into angles, chess pieces assembled into faces, and eventually plastic toy soldiers painted black and arranged with precision. What began as a material exercise evolved into a defining visual system. The soldiers, once seen as simple toys, took on new meaning as tools for portraiture, storytelling, and cultural commentary.

As the imagery developed, the figures formed vivid portraits of musicians, activists, and writers, grounding the work in both history and resistance.

"For me I've always been political in my art. I've always done revolutionary characters and rebels. So in that regard, I consider my art as a form of protest. My Art Is My Protest."

 NOW IS THE TIME

While this particular body of work represents a distinct chapter in Roger J. Carter’s practice, his life as a creative spans well beyond a decade. Raised alongside a generation of Chicago artists, Carter’s growth has been shaped by patience, discipline, and a refusal to rush his process. While others found early visibility, he remained committed to refining his voice, trusting that the work would speak when the time was right.

That moment has arrived. Today, Carter’s work continues to evolve across materials and scale, with commissions entering private collections throughout the United States and abroad. His practice reflects an artist in full command of his craft, exploring new forms while staying rooted in the principles that define his work.

View available works or inquire about a commission

Roger J. Carter is currently accepting a limited number of commissions alongside available works. To view available works or inquire about a commission, visit his portfolio or contact us directly.

This article has been updated to reflect recent developments in Roger J. Carter’s practice.