Welcome
Artist Rooted in Culture & Human
Experience
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.
Martial Arts and Wing Chun Kung Fu
In
addition
to
his
work
as
an
artist
and
musician,
Alan
Dean
Shariff
has
been
a
dedicated
student
of
Wing
Chun
Kung
Fu
since
the
mid-1980s.
Over
the
course
of
his
martial
arts
journey,
he
has
had
the
privilege
of
studying
under
Master
John
Clayton,
Master
Anthony
Arnett,
and
Grandmaster
William
Cheung, one of the world's most respected authorities on the art.
Throughout
his
travels
in
the
United
States,
the
Caribbean,
and
Southeast
Asia,
Alan
occasionally
shared
his
knowledge
of
Wing
Chun
by
giving
private
lessons
and
demonstrations.
His
appreciation
for
Wing
Chun
extends
beyond
its
self-defense
techniques
to
its
principles
of
discipline,
balance,
self-
control, and the preservation of tradition.
The
philosophy
and
history
of
Wing
Chun
have
remained
an
important
influence
in
Alan's
life
and
artistic
journey,
inspiring
his
respect
for
cultural
heritage,
perseverance,
and
the
passing
of
knowledge
from one generation to the next.
The
principles
of
discipline,
balance,
patience,
and
the
preservation
of
knowledge
found
in
Wing
Chun
have
continued
to
shape
Shariff's
artistic
vision,
appreciation
of
cultural
heritage,
and
commitment
to
preserving knowledge for future generations.
The Museum of Truth: A Mission of Education and Reflection
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
Alan Dean Shariff with
Grandmaster William Cheung.
Alan Dean Shariff with
Master Anthony Arnett.
Welcome
Alan Dean, The Soul Singer
Hear Beautiful Enchanting Songs
of Love and Memories
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
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
Shariff Contact
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.
Welcome
Original portrait and figurative drawings exploring identity,
memory, culture, and the human experience through light,
shadow, and form.
A sister in prayer
African American History
Caribbean Man in a boat
Caribbean Mother and Son
Grace
Lady of Africa
Reflections of Roots
Stymie
The Blues Man
Two African Boys
Art Print Gallery
Available Color and Black-and-White
Art Prints
Selected works from the Alan Dean Collection.
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Click any artwork to discover the story, inspiration, and meaning
behind the piece.
Brothers of Tomorrow
Negril Fruit Lady
Guardian of the Valley
Woman with Basket
Market Ladies
Previleged Beauty
Before the Comfort
Comfort in Care
Hands of Care
Guardian of Morning
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
The Legacy of Grandmaster
William Cheung
and the
Spirit of Wing Chun
A
pencil
drawing
celebrating
the
art
of
Wing
Chun—from
its
birth
in
the
Shaolin
Temple,
through
its
survival
by
a
courageous
nun
and
her
student
Wing
Chun,
to
its
preservation
and
teaching
by
Grandmaster
William
Cheung.
William Cheung – Guardian of a Living Legacy
This
drawing
is
more
than
a
portrait
of
Grandmaster
William
Cheung.
It
is
a
visual
story
that
traces
the
journey
of
Wing
Chun
from
its
earliest
beginnings
to
its
influence
on
the
modern
world.
Every
figure
and
symbol
within
the
composition
was
carefully
chosen
to
represent
a
chapter
in
that
history.
The
story
begins
in
a
time
of
great
turmoil.
According
to
Wing
Chun
tradition,
five
masters
gathered
at
the
Shaolin
Temple
with
a
common
purpose:
to
combine
the
most
effective
principles
and
techniques
from
five
different
martial
arts
systems
into
a
single
art
that
would
surpass
them
all.
Before
their
work
could
be
fully
realized,
the
temple
was
attacked
and
destroyed.
Four
of
the
five
masters
were
killed.
Only
one
survived—a
Shaolin
nun
whose
wisdom
and
determination
would
ensure that the art would not disappear.
After
escaping
the
destruction,
the
nun
adopted
and
trained
a
young
orphan
girl.
She
passed
on
the
knowledge
that
had
survived
the
fall
of
the
temple
and
named
the
art
after
her
student—Wing
Chun.
The
figures
of
the
nun
and
the
young
girl
in
the
upper
left
portion
of
the
drawing
honor
this
sacred
beginning and symbolize the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next.
The
Great
Wall
of
China
in
the
background
serves
as
a
reminder
of
the
ancient
culture
from
which
the
art
emerged.
It
represents
endurance,
strength,
and
the
preservation
of
tradition
through
centuries of change.
At
the
center
of
the
composition
stands
Grandmaster
William
Cheung.
He
is
depicted
performing
Wing
Chun's
distinctive
lead-hand
position.
The
raised
hand
appears
to
push
back
the
darkness
surrounding
him,
symbolizing
the
triumph
of
knowledge
over
ignorance,
discipline
over
chaos,
and
perseverance
over
destruction.
The
light
that
surrounds
him
represents
the
survival
of
the
art
itself.
Though
the
temple
fell
and
many
lives
were
lost,
the
principles
of
Wing
Chun
endured
and
continued to illuminate the path for future generations.
The
lower
scene
portrays
the
well-known
image
of
Grandmaster
Ip
Man
teaching
his
most
famous
student,
Bruce
Lee.
This
moment
represents
the
expansion
of
Wing
Chun
beyond
China
and
its
introduction
to
the
wider
world.
Through
the
dedication
of
teachers
and
students,
the
art
crossed
cultural boundaries and became one of the most influential martial arts systems in history.
Taken
together,
these
elements
tell
a
story
that
spans
centuries.
From
the
destruction
of
the
Shaolin
Temple,
to
the
courage
of
a
surviving
nun,
to
the
training
of
a
young
girl
named
Wing
Chun,
to
the
teachings
of
Ip
Man,
Bruce
Lee,
and
William
Cheung,
the
drawing
celebrates
an
unbroken
lineage
of knowledge and dedication.
The
name
Wing
Chun
is
often
associated
with
the
idea
of
hope
for
the
future.
This
theme
lies
at
the
heart
of
the
artwork.
The
darkness
represents
the
forces
that
sought
to
destroy
the
art,
while
the
light
represents
the
determination
of
those
who
preserved
it.
The
raised
hand
of
William
Cheung
becomes
a
symbol
of
protection—not
only
of
himself,
but
of
the
wisdom,
values,
and
traditions
passed down through generations.
This
drawing
is
therefore
not
simply
a
likeness
of
a
martial
arts
master.
It
is
a
tribute
to
the
survival
of
an
idea.
It
honors
those
who
carried
that
idea
forward
through
times
of
hardship
and
ensured
that
future
generations
would
continue
to
benefit
from
its
teachings.
It
is
a
celebration
of
courage,
discipline,
tradition,
and
the
enduring
hope
that
knowledge
preserved
today
will
continue
to
inspire tomorrow.
The Artist and His Connection to Wing Chun
The
artist,
Alan
Dean
Shariff,
has
been
a
dedicated
student
of
Wing
Chun
since
the
mid-1980s
and
has
had
the
privilege of learning from Master John Clayton, Master Anthony Arnett, and Grandmaster William Cheung.
This
drawing
is
therefore
more
than
an
artistic
tribute—it
is
a
personal
expression
of
admiration
and
gratitude
for
an
art
that
has
influenced
the
artist's
life
for
decades.
Through
both
his
study
of
Wing
Chun
and
his
work
as
an
artist,
he
seeks
to
preserve
and
honor
the
traditions,
philosophy,
and
enduring
spirit
of
this
remarkable
martial art.
To learn more about the artist and his lifelong journey in the martial arts and visual arts, please visit the About
Page.
[About Alan Dean Shariff →]
Artist's Statement
This
drawing
was
created
to
honor
Grandmaster
William
Cheung
and
the
enduring
legacy
of
Wing
Chun.
More
than
a
portrait,
it
is
a
visual
tribute
to
courage,
survival,
discipline,
and
hope—the
values
that
have
allowed
this
art
to
survive
from
the
Shaolin
Temple
to
the
present
day.
Through
this
work,
I
hope
to
preserve
and
share the spirit of Wing Chun for future generations.
Alan Dean Shariff with
Grandmaster William Cheung
Alan Dean Shariff training with
Master Anthony Arnett.
Visit the Official Website of Grandmaster
William Cheung's Organization
This page is presented in honor of
Grandmaster William Cheung and the enduring
legacy of Traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu.
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Guardian of Morning
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Guardian of Morning
Brothers of Tomorrow
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Negril Fruit Lady
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Guardian of the Valley
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Woman with Basket
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Market Ladies
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Previleged Beauty
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Before the Comfort
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Comfort in Care
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Hands of Care
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Reflections of Roots
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Stymie
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
A sister in prayer
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
African American History
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Caribbean Man in a boat
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Caribbean Mother and Son
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Grace
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Lady of Africa
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
The Blues Man
Welcome
All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
Two African Boys