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Portfolio
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
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Alan Dean Shariff
The
book
explores
how
culture,
religion,
and
power
shape
moral
understanding.
It
offers
a
call
toward
timeless
principles
that
transcend division.
Songs of Love, Memory,
and Reflection
Alan Dean, The Soul Singer
A journey through art, culture,
and faith
A call to reclaim righteousness as the
foundation of society
If you believe in what we’re building,
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Art, Culture, and the Study of Human
Experience and Faith
Open Edition
Black and White Prints
Occasional updates on new work, videos, and
museum progress.
I founded this museum to confront the distortions that
divide humanity and to preserve the truth that unites us
across generations.
Alan Dean Shariff,
Founder of The Museum of Truth
Welcome
Artist Rooted in Culture & Human Experience
As
an
artist,
I
work
in
the
realm
of
culture—not
as
a
marketplace
of
profit,
but
as
a
living
process
of
growth
and
development.
For
me,
art
is
more
than
aesthetics;
it
is
the
power
of
impression,
a
gift
meant
to
inspire
ethical
awareness, understanding, and unity.
About
About the Artist ↓
Alan Dean Shariff is an African American realist artist whose work examines how
culture shapes human character and identity. Guided by restraint and clarity, he
presents life as it is—honestly and without distortion—inviting reflection,
understanding, and shared humanity.
Central to his work is the belief that culture molds human nature, much like wet clay
shaped into form. Through painting, writing, and visual storytelling, Shariff seeks to
engage this process consciously—using art to encourage ethical awareness, spiritual
reflection, and unity across race, religion, and nationality. His work is dedicated to
peace and righteousness, not through ideology, but through shared human values and
lived experience.
Shariff describes his artistic lens as Afro-Americana, a perspective shaped by African
heritage and the lived experiences of African Americans and the broader African
diaspora. While he respects abstract expression, he is drawn to realism, believing that
truth is best conveyed by presenting life honestly, without distortion or exaggeration.
One of the defining moments of his early career came when he presented a drawing of
Muhammad Ali to the legendary boxer. Ali displayed the work at his training camp in
Deer Lake, Pennsylvania—an experience that affirmed Shariff’s commitment to
creating art that carries meaning beyond visual appeal.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Shariff’s journey has been shaped by decades of travel
and cultural immersion. He spent over a decade living in the Caribbean, where the
region’s history, music, and people deeply influenced his visual language. During this
period, he also performed as “The Soul Singer,” exploring the connection between
music and visual storytelling. His travels later took him through Southeast Asia and,
most recently, across East Africa, where he continues to draw inspiration from the
region’s cultural depth, resilience, and spiritual heritage.
Shariff is the founder of The Museum of Truth, an independent cultural and
educational project dedicated to the study of culture, religion, and history without
division. The museum includes an extensive video series—now spanning more than
200 episodes—that serves as a public archive documenting years of study, teaching,
and reflection. This archive informs and supports his visual work, positioning each
piece within a broader body of thought and inquiry.
Shariff is also the author of Climbing the Stairway to Culture, a book examining
righteousness as the foundation for cultural renewal and moral clarity. Proceeds from
the sale of his limited-edition works directly support the ongoing work of The
Museum of Truth, including its educational video series, research, and future public
exhibitions. Across all mediums, his work reflects a single aim: to use art as a witness
to truth and a guide toward shared understanding. This work continues to evolve
through new visual series, writings, and limited-edition artworks that support the
museum’s ongoing mission.
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
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Welcome
Preface
I
titled
this
book
Climbing
the
Stairway
to
Culture
because
the
most
significant
problem
we
face
as
a
species
is
our
tendency
to
cling
to
things,
even
when
they
hinder
our
growth.
Whether
it’s
outdated
beliefs,
harmful
relationships, unproductive environments, or detrimental habits, many people hold onto what no longer serves them, even when these things stunt their spiritual and cultural progress.
To
climb
a
stairway,
you
must
leave
one
step
behind
to
reach
the
next.
In
the
same
way,
I
believe
people
cannot
progress
religiously
or
culturally
beyond
the
point
they
are
clinging
to
if
what
they
hold
onto
is
not
aligned
with God’s will. True growth requires the willingness to let go of what holds us back and embrace the steps that lead us closer to God.
Understanding
religion
and
righteousness
does
not
require
claiming
greatness,
sinlessness,
or
prophethood.
I
do
not
present
myself
as
anything
more
than
a
repenting
sinner,
striving
to
earn
God’s
forgiveness
and
blessings
by
sharing
His
clear
message
and
warning
with
the
world.
I
firmly
believe
that
there
is
no
need
for
another
prophet
to
come,
as
the
truth
is
already
accessible
to
anyone
who
seeks
it.
The
existing
holy
books
contain
all
the
guidance necessary for those striving to live righteously today.
This
is
a
reminder
that
knowledge
and
spiritual
growth
are
within
our
reach.
Each
of
us
is
capable
of
embarking
on
this
journey
of
seeking
truth
and
righteousness,
and
it
can
lead
to
a
deeper
understanding
of
our
faith
and
a
closer connection to God. We don’t need new revelations or prophets to begin this process but only the willingness to study, learn, and align our lives with the truth already revealed.
Introduction
The
modern
world
stands
at
a
crossroads,
embroiled
in
what
many
call
the
“Culture
War.”
Unlike
past
conflicts,
this
war
is
not
fought
with
swords
or
rifles
but
with
ideologies,
values,
and
beliefs.
The
Culture
War
is
an
existential struggle for society’s soul. It is a battle between those who uphold God-ordained truths and those who seek to replace them with subjective ideologies rooted in human whim.
On
one
side,
traditionalists
strive
to
preserve
the
moral
foundations
that
have
upheld
civilizations
for
millennia.
These
values,
centered
on
faith,
family,
and
community,
are
more
than
customs;
they
are
divine
principles
that
offer stability and guidance for humanity. Traditionalists understand that culture when rooted in righteousness, serves as a vessel for transmitting wisdom, fostering human flourishing, and reflecting the Creator’s design.
Conversely,
progressives,
emboldened
by
what
they
claim
as
“modern
enlightenment,”
seek
to
dismantle
these
foundations.
Under
the
guise
of
freedom,
they
champion
relativism,
erasing
distinctions
between
right
and
wrong.
They
reduce
morality
to
a
matter
of
personal
preference,
dismissing
sacred
truths
as
archaic
constraints.
This
movement,
often
labeled
as
“woke,”
heralds
an
age
of
rebellion
against
God’s
laws,
elevating
self-
worship over submission to the Creator.
The
term
“Culture
War”
originated
to
describe
contentious
social
issues,
from
debates
on
family
values
to
disputes
over
identity
and
morality.
However,
this
term
fails
to
capture
the
gravity
of
what
is
truly
at
stake.
This
is
not
merely
a
debate
about
politics
or
personal
freedoms;
it
is
a
spiritual
conflict
over
the
very
essence
of
right
and
wrong.
Without
a
shared
moral
compass,
society
devolves
into
chaos,
with
factions
clashing
endlessly,
unable to agree even on the most fundamental truths.
It
is
tempting
to
engage
in
this
battle
on
the
terms
set
by
progressives,
debating
each
issue
in
isolation.
But
such
skirmishes,
while
necessary
at
times,
miss
the
root
cause
of
the
problem:
the
divisions
among
those
who
profess
to
believe
in
God.
These
divisions
have
caused
the
world
to
descend
again
into
the
darkness
of
moral
ignorance.
Every
attempt
to
solve
this
problem
without
God’s
light
of
moral
intelligence
and
righteousness
will
fail, leading only to greater issues. Once God’s light shines again, the darkness of moral ignorance and everything that thrives within it will naturally dissipate, for it is the nature of darkness to flee in the presence of light.
When
the
people
of
faith
are
divided,
their
collective
light,
the
moral
and
spiritual
guidance
they
are
meant
to
provide,
grows
dim.
This
leaves
society
vulnerable
to
manipulation
by
those
driven
solely
by
selfish
desires.
Without
this
unifying
light,
irrational
sentiments
and
emotions
take
precedence,
creating
an
environment
where
self-serving
individuals
can
easily
influence
and
mislead
others.
The
failure
of
believers
to
stand
united
under
God’s truth has emboldened immorality to parade itself openly, celebrated as if it were a virtue.
Core Message
The
solution
to
this
moral
decay
does
not
lie
in
compromise
or
appeasement.
It
lies
in
the
unwavering
return
to
God’s
light
of
righteousness.
This
light
is
not
the
invention
of
any
individual
religion
or
sect
but
the
eternal
truth
revealed
to
humanity
from
the
beginning.
It
is
a
truth
best
exemplified
by
Abraham,
the
father
of
faith,
who
submitted
himself
wholly
to
God
without
succumbing
to
divisions
or
labels.
Abraham’s
example
provides
the
“system restore point” humanity desperately needs, a model of submission, unity, and righteousness untainted by the distortions of modern ideologies.
For
example,
I
follow
the
teachings
of
the
Quran,
making
five
daily
prayers,
observing
Ramadan,
and
adhering
to
its
guidance.
Yet,
I
do
not
identify
my
faith
as
Islam;
instead,
I
define
it
as
the
submission
of
my
will
to
God.
Describing my faith as submitting my will to God eliminates divisions between myself and other righteous people, no matter what they call themselves.
On
the
other
hand,
when
Muslims
identify
their
religion
as
Islam,
it
often
creates
separation
between
them
and
others
who
do
not
share
their
specific
belief
system.
This
includes
divisions
even
within
Islam
itself,
such
as
between Sunni, Shia, and Sufi sects, even though they all follow the same Quran. These divisions prevent them from associating with one another, whether they are righteous or not.
The
same
pattern
of
divisions
can
be
seen
among
Christians,
who
identify
by
their
denominations
even
though
they
all
read
the
same
Bible.
These
divisions
create
barriers
that
hinder
cooperation
and
mutual
respect,
even
among those who share common righteous values. This means that recognizing the Quran or Bible as the truth from God does not mean we are meant to adopt divisive labels or belong to exclusive sects.
The
path
forward
begins
with
individual
believers.
We
must
abandon
the
divisions
that
have
fractured
our
faith
communities
and
align
ourselves
with
God’s
commandments.
By
uniting
under
the
banner
of
righteousness,
we
can reignite the light of divine wisdom and dispel the darkness of moral ignorance. If the Culture War is to be won, it will not be through force or rhetoric but through the transformative power of faith and unity.
In
this
book,
I
aim
to
reintroduce
the
religion
of
Abraham
as
presented
in
the
Quran,
which
anyone
can
study
and
verify
for
themselves.
Additionally,
I
will
explore
how
the
insights
in
this
book
can
help
end
the
culture
war
and
restore
God’s
light
of
moral
intelligence
in
the
world.
My
purpose
is
not
to
convert
or
indoctrinate
but
to
encourage
individuals
to
seek
what
God
truly
wants
them
to
believe,
say,
and
do
by
learning
for
themselves.
God
desires
that
believers
think
critically
and
independently
rather
than
blindly
following
inherited
beliefs
that
cause
divisions.
The
Quran
emphasizes
that
believers
should
avoid
belonging
to
religious
sects
or
divisions,
as
both
contradict
God’s
command
for
unity
among
the
righteous.
Returning
to
Abraham’s
example,
we
can
focus
on
the
core
principles
of
faith
that
unite
all
believers,
transcending
the
labels
and
traditions
that
have
divided
us
for
so long.
Spiritual Reference
Quran
42:13
The
same
religion
has
He
established
for
you
as
that
which
He
enjoined
on
Noah
which
We
have
sent
by
inspiration
to
thee
Mohammed
and
that
which
We
enjoined
on
Abraham
Moses
and
Jesus.
Namely,
ye
should
remain
steadfast
in
religion
and
make
no
divisions
therein:
to
those
who
worship
other
things
than
God,
hard
is
the
way
to
which
thou
call
them.
God
chooses
to
Himself
those
whom
He
pleases
and
guides
to
Himself
those who turn to Him.
Quran
3:19
The
Religion
before
God
is
submission
to
His
will,
and
the
people
of
the
Book
(those
who
had
the
book
before
you)
did
not
dissent
from
it
except
through
envy
of
each
other
after
knowledge
had
come
to
them.
But if any deny the Signs of God, He is swift in calling them to account.
Quran 23:53 But people have cut off their affair of unity between them into sects: each party rejoices in that which is with itself. But leave them in their confused ignorance for a time.
Quran 6:159 As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with God. He will, in the end, tell them the truth of all that they did.
My Book
In
a
time
of
cultural
confusion
and
moral
drift,
Climbing
the
Stairway
to
Culture
invites
readers
to
examine
how
beliefs,
traditions,
and
power
shape
the
values
of
a
society.
Drawing
from
history,
religion,
and
moral
reasoning,
Alan
Dean
Shariff
challenges
the
forces
that
distort
truth
and
calls
for
a
return
to
righteousness
as
the
foundation of cultural renewal.
Book Description
A people’s cultural condition is the moral integrity and
accomplishments that a collective group encourages each
other to achieve.
Or the moral decay and chaos a collective group of people
allows each other to descend into by making excuses for bad
conduct.
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
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Welcome
Alan Dean, The Soul Singer
Hear Beautiful Enchanting Songs
of Love and Memories
Easy - Smooth, soulful, and always a crowd favorite
Getting Ready - Classic Motown energy that gets the mood just right
Going out of my head - A heartfelt tune full of passion and longing
Hero - A powerful anthem that inspires strength and hope
I can’t help falling in love with you - Timeless romance in every note
I feel good - Pure joy and funk that gets everyone moving
I heard it through the grapevine - A soulful groove with a story to tell
I who have nothing - Emotionally rich and deeply dramatic
Inseparable - A beautiful love song that never gets old
It’s hard to say goodbye - Tender and moving, perfect for farewell moments
Just Once - A soulful plea for love to work, beautifully expressive
Lean on me - A timeless message of friendship and support
Let’s stay together - Smooth and romantic, a true classic
Love is a hurting thing - A deep, bluesy take on heartbreak
In The Midnight-hour - High-energy soul that always gets a reaction
My love - A tender and sincere expression of devotion
My way - A powerful anthem of reflection and independence
New York New York - Bold, brassy, and full of big city flair
Rainy night in Georgia - Moody and reflective with a soulful groove
Sitting on the dock of the bay - Gentle and timeless, full of longing
Sonny - A warm, jazzy tribute with timeless charm
Soul-man - Funky, upbeat, and full of swagger
Stand by me - An enduring anthem of loyalty and love
Three little birds - Uplifting and carefree with a hopeful spirit
Three times a lady - A graceful ballad of deep admiration
Unchained melody - Hauntingly beautiful and emotionally rich
Under the boardwalk - A breezy classic with nostalgic summertime vibe
You will never find another love like mind - Confident and soulful, with a bold declaration of love
My Songs
Click on any song title to listen or watch
Featured Songs
A few songs I’m featuring this month — a mix of
studio recordings and live performances.
Featured
Audios
Featured Live
Performances
One in a million
One of my favorite songs to
sing at weddings. Growing
up, I never imagined I’d have
the voice to sing a song like
this—but it became one of
the most meaningful
performances of my life.
Unchained Melody
Unchained Melody” is one of
the most challenging songs
I’ve ever sung—but its
beauty and emotional depth
make it a favorite among
fans, and a rewarding
experience every time I
perform it.
Still
Still” is one of Lionel Richie’s
most beautiful songs—and
one I always find joy in
performing.
Yesterday
Yesterday” is always a joy to
sing—perhaps because it’s
also the most requested song
wherever I go.
Audio Tracks
Why I Love Singing These Songs.
These songs have touched me in a special way over the years. Some lift
the spirit, some stir the soul, and others simply bring joy to the
moment. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or an upbeat classic, I chose
these songs because they speak to something true — and I hope they
speak to you too.
Live Video Performances
Here are more live moments from shows and concerts,
each one capturing a bit of the energy and joy I bring to
the stage
Enjoyed the music? There’s more to come — check back
monthly for new featured songs and performances.
Music has a way of reaching the heart. If a song here touches
yours, feel free to share it with someone you love.
I’d love to stay connected.Follow me, leave a comment, or visit
my Patreon page to support future recordings and performances
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
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help us keep going
Occasional updates on new work, videos, and
museum progress.
Welcome
Framed Art Prints
Pencil Drawings
by Alan Dean Shariff
African American history
Arnesha
Caribbean Kids on the beach
Caribbean Man in a boat
David at work
Grace
Getting my hair done
God's System Restored
Reflections of Roots
Caribbean Mother and Son
Lady of Africa
Stymie
Spirit of Justice
The Slow Riders
The Dream
The Blues Man
A sister in prayer
We are still friends
The Market Lady
Two African Boys
Unlimited Edition
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
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Welcome
Pencil Drawings
by Alan Dean Shariff
African American history
Arnesha
Caribbean Kids on the beach
Caribbean Man in a boat
David at work
Grace
Getting my hair done
God's System Restored
Reflections of Roots
Caribbean Mother and Son
Lady of Africa
Stymie
Spirit of Justice
The Slow Riders
The Dream
The Blues Man
A sister in prayer
We are still friends
The Market Lady
Two African Boys
Unframed Art Prints
Unlimited Edition
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Subscribe to our mailing list
If you believe in what we’re building,
help us keep going
Occasional updates on new work, videos, and
museum progress.
About the Artist
Alan Dean Shariff is a visual artist and founder of The Museum of Truth, a project exploring culture,
history, and human dignity through art. His work focuses on everyday moments that reflect
resilience, labor, and lived experience, presented with respect and narrative depth. This limited
edition is part of a broader body of work dedicated to preserving culture without distortion or
division.
Learn more about the artist →
Created by Artist: Alan Dean Shariff
Available through retail partners in Rwanda
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
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Occasional updates on new work, videos, and
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Negril Fruit Lady
Traveling Market Ladies
Brothers of Tomorrow
African Woman with
Guardian of the Morning
Hands of Care
Before The Comfort
Comfort In Care
Welcome
Let’s Stay Connected
Thank you for your interest in my work. If you'd like to get in
touch, feel free to email me or follow my journey through
Patreon and social media.
For those who wish to support or connect more personally,
exclusive updates and interaction opportunities are
available to Patreon members.Supporters receive exclusive
updates and behind-the-scenes content. I welcome your
presence and support on this journey
Join The Community: patreon.com/alandeanshariff
Shariff Contact
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
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Occasional updates on new work, videos, and
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Artist’s Note — African Woman with
Basket
During my travels through several Black African
countries, I encountered a traditional awareness
of magic—stories and beliefs often passed down
through older generations, even if rarely
practiced today.
Yet what struck me as truly magical was
something entirely real: the grace and beauty
with which a woman can walk, balancing a load
upon her head that would likely be too heavy for
me to carry in my arms.
This work reflects that quiet strength—where
balance, discipline, and lived experience
replace myth, and everyday movement becomes
an expression of elegance and power.
Artist’s Note — Guardian of the
Morning
While living and traveling in Kigali, Rwanda, as
an artist, I was struck by a sight that followed
me everywhere I went: young mothers moving
through daily life with their babies carried
securely on their backs. It was a quiet, beautiful
presence—natural, constant, and deeply human.
This was something I had never witnessed in the
United States. Here, motherhood was not
hidden or separated from public life, but woven
seamlessly into it. The bond between mother
and child moved with purpose and grace through
streets, paths, and villages.
This painting reflects the strength, beauty, and
dignity of these women, and the enduring
practice of carrying life forward—both literally
and culturally—seen throughout Kigali and across
many parts of Africa.
Artist’s Note — Brothers of Tomorrow
Kigali, Rwanda, is often recognized as one of the
cleanest cities in Africa. But beyond its order
and beauty, I came to know it as a city marked
by brotherly love.
Wherever I traveled, I noticed children walking
together with their arms around one
another—moving through streets and
neighborhoods in quiet companionship. It was a
simple, repeated gesture that spoke louder than
words.
Many of these children are likely unaware of
Rwanda’s painful past, a time when division and
violence once defined the nation. This painting
reflects the contrast between that history and
what is visible today—a generation growing
forward in unity, innocence, and shared
humanity.
Artist Note - Traveling Market Ladies
Every day, it was a pleasant sound to hear the
traveling market lady come through my block in
Kigali, Rwanda, singing and echoing through the
neighborhood about the available Fruits and
vegetables for the day. It always reminds me of
the horse and wagons that traveled the streets
of Baltimore when I was young, competing on
which wagon could sing the best or the loudest,
calling people to buy their fruits and vegetables.
Artist’s Note - Negril Fruit Lady
While visiting Negril, Jamaica, I came to enjoy
its beautiful beach and its famous sunset, often
promoted as the most beautiful in the country.
As the sun lowered into the sea, the shoreline
glowed with warmth and color, drawing visitors
to pause and take it in.
Amid this setting, I was struck by the quiet
beauty and grace of a local fruit lady as she
walked along the beach, supplying fresh fruit to
welcoming tourists. With practiced balance and
ease, she moved through a place shaped as
much by daily labor as by leisure.
This work reflects that moment when natural
beauty, human dignity, and ordinary work
coexistence enhancing the meaning of the
others.
About the Artist
Alan Dean Shariff is a visual artist and founder of The Museum of Truth, a project exploring culture,
history, and human dignity through art. His work focuses on everyday moments that reflect
resilience, labor, and lived experience, presented with respect and narrative depth. This limited
edition is part of a broader body of work dedicated to preserving culture without distortion or
division.
Learn more about the artist →
Created by Artist: Alan Dean Shariff
Medium: Digital painting (fine art archival print)
Wholesale inquiries welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
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