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All Rights Reserved 2023 . Alan Dean Shariff
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Alan Dean Shariff
Songs of Love, Memory,
and Reflection
Alan Dean, The Soul Singer
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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
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Experiences
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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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If you believe in what we’re building,
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Occasional updates on new work, videos, and
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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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Transform Your Space with Art & Live
Experiences
Curated art displays and live music experiences
designed to attract customers, enhance
atmosphere, and generate additional revenue.
Bring a unique art and live music
experience into your space.
✔ Earn up to 50% on art sales
✔ Low setup cost with
display rental
✔ Live music experience to
engage your guests
Limited retail locations
available in Kigali
A simple way to enhance your
space and generate revenue:
See How the Program Works
Explore the display setup, pricing structure, and how your business earns from art sales.
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
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.
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
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.
Wholesale available for retail partners
Wholesale pricing available for retail display
