PHOTO BY AYANA GORDON @AYANAMPLIFIED/@BYAYANAG
Charles Louis Middleton III (born 1993) is a contemporary American multidisciplinary artist known by his artist name RMBRCHARLES, whose work explores selfhood, creative evolution, and human connection through large-scale paintings, charcoal drawings, and unfinished oil paintings.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Middleton developed an early talent for creativity, initially through drawing characters.
He earned an undergraduate degree from Prairie View A&M University before moving to Houston in 2022 to work with the Sanman Collective, a non-profit supporting emerging artists.
He is influenced by his father's charisma and the work of Black art pioneers such as Bill Traylor and Kara Walker.
Artistic Style and Themes
Middleton's art blends real-life experiences with expressive color and poetic nuance.
His works are noted for their use of stirring portraits set against vibrant blocks of color, often accompanied by poetic titles. A key characteristic of his style is the inclusion of "ghostly silhouettes," intricately rendered charcoal drawings, and intentionally unfinished elements, which he uses to reflect the incomplete nature of personal and collective human journeys.
Career and Exhibitions
Middleton's career has included several notable exhibitions and residencies:
"JOURNEY 2 RMBR": His debut solo exhibition in Atlanta, held at the Goat Farm Arts Center in May 2025.
Residencies: Participated in artist-in-residency programs in Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire
The Last Resort Artist Retreat (TLRAR) in Baltimore, led by Derrick Adams.
Private Solo Show: His work through the Sanman Collective led to a private solo show in Mexico City.