In every painting, the background is cluttered with phrases in white paint. Some give passages from the bible and some give Blackmon’s own view of the world which, he says, is given to him by God.

Ask artist Prophet William J. Blackmon about his art and he will tell you it is not his. It was only his hand that did the painting but it was God who gave him the inspiration to paint.

In the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Union Art Gallery hang 32 original works by Blackmon. Every painting has a secular theme and offers the viewer a message. This message, Blackmon says, comes from God.

Unlike a Picasso, whose central message can be widely disputed, Blackmon’s messages are clear. In every painting, the background is cluttered with phrases in white paint. Some give passages from the Bible and some give Blackmon’s own view of the world which, he says, is given to him by God.

In “The Teacher is teaching on the word AIDS,” Blackmon paints a school house with children sitting at desks and a teacher at the front of the class, no doubt giving a lecture. Outside of the classroom are more teachers who have the words painted above them in white, “What is AIDS, I really don’t know,” and painted below them is the phrase, “What right do they have to teach this in school?”

Blackmon’s views are clear not only in this painting, but each one hanging beside it as well.

Painted on a square wood canvas is “The Phillips Family.” The wood frame that borders the painting is painted black and all around it has his message painted in white. “The Phillips family that prays together stays together, family reunions are the best way to say I Love You,” borders the painting.

Painted is a house where inside you see the mother and grandmother working on household chores. Outside, you see the men hunting game or tending the garden. It’s when they reunite as a family at the end of the day that their love for one another is shown through their personal accomplishments that they then share with their family.

Most of Blackmon’s works in this gallery date from 1985 to 1998.

When asked what Blackmon thinks of the world today, he says, “The devil is more prominent now than it used to be and that is why I have faith.”

Blackmon says that if there could be one central message from all of his works it would be that God is everywhere. He is always willing to help and all we have to do is ask.

“Meditations and Revelations,” showcasing the works of Prophet William J. Blackmon, will be on display at the UWM Union Art Gallery until Feb. 23.

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