Ernest Shaw was born and lived most of his life in Baltimore. He is a prolific muralist and painter who strives to give back to the community of Baltimore through teaching, mentoring, and creating art that will have a lasting impact. Shaw has witnessed the struggle of the black community in Baltimore firsthand and uses art as a means to highlight the beauty and character inherent in African-American culture in an effort to combat negative stereotypes and degrading images that are often used to depict African people. Ernest’s work regularly appears in Graffiti Alley where many of his portraits are painted around rather than overdue​ to their exceptional caliber and significance to the community. Most recently, a portrait of Toni Morrison appeared within a day of her passing. Other notable works in the Alley include “Kung Fu Kenny,” a tribute to Kendrick Lamar and portraits of several jazz legends. Shaw was one of the artists selected to participate in Open Walls Baltimore (2014). His mural, Holy Trinity, in at the corner of 401 E. Lafayette Street in Station North depicts Malcolm X, Nina Simone, and James Baldwin. Shaw chose these three icons because he wanted young black people to ask who they were, and learn the history of their people in in the discovery of the full answer. Shaw continues to produce new murals in Baltimore and beyond.

https://www.vamonde.com/posts/notable-artists/6535

https://bakerartist.org/node/3069 (portfolio)