Rooted in his Palestinian, Colombian, and Dominican heritage, Malik Fabian-Mahmud from St. Louis connects to his roots by archiving and restoring his family's old photographs. This act of preservation informs his photographic practice, where he transforms personal memories into surreal, evocative portraits that explore how heritage, identity, and the blending of cultural influences shape individual and collective stories and the impact of history on personal narratives.
Beyond his artistic practice, Malik is deeply committed to community building through his co-founded organization, Five Dolla Cam. Dedicated to uplifting young Black and Brown artists in St. Louis, the organization curates events such as art galleries for artists who have never been exhibited and figure drawing sessions for those without institutional resources, offering them a space to develop their craft and engage in creative exploration. These initiatives not only provide access to artistic opportunities but also foster a growing network where emerging artists can connect, collaborate, and build a supportive community.
E-mail: mfabianmahmud@gmail.com
Education
Bachelor's in Communication - Emphasis in Applied Visual Communication
University of Missouri - St. Louis
Bellerive, MO (December 2025)
Associate in Fine Arts - General Fine Arts
St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley
Ferguson, MO (December 2023)
AWARDS
Futures Fund Grant
The Luminary (2025)
Best In Show
Des Lee Fine Arts Collaborative (2020)
CURATED SHOWS
Five Dolla C.A.M. - a Contemporary Art Moment
The Luminary
St. Louis, MO (April 2025)
Five Dolla C.A.M. Exhibition - a Contemporary Art Moment
People's Art and Recreation Center
St. Louis, MO (May 2024)
Five Dolla C.A.M. Exhibition - a Contemporary Art Moment
High Low
St. Louis, MO (December 2022)
FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
The Nook
The Nook
St. Louis, MO (June 2025)
Unseen on Screen
Billboard
St. Louis, MO (May 2025)
Five Dolla C.A.M. - a Contemporary Art Moment
The Luminary
St. Louis, MO (April 2025)
Art, Pancakes, and Mimosas
The Hawthorne
St. Louis, MO (July 2024)
Inside/Outside
Sophie's Artist Lounge
St. Louis, MO (June 2024)
Five Dolla C.A.M. Exhibition - a Contemporary Art Moment
People's Art and Recreation Center
St. Louis, MO (May 2024)
Art, Pancakes, and Mimosas
The Hawthorne
St. Louis, MO (July 2023)
Timeless
The Luminary
St. Louis, MO (February 2023)
Five Dolla C.A.M. Exhibition - a Contemporary Art Moment
High Low
St. Louis, MO (December 2022)
Contemporary Art Gallery
St.Louis Community College
St.Louis, MO (May 2022)
Des Lee Fine Arts Collaborative
University of Missouri - St. Louis
Bellerive, MO (February 2020)