NCCU Art Museum Celebrates Alumnus Tobias Rose with “The Business of Art and Design” Exhibition
DURHAM, NC—The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Art Museum is honoring NCCU alumnus Tobias Rose with a new exhibition, “The Business of Art and Design: Celebrating Alumnus Tobias Rose. ” The exhibition showcases his journey from student to accomplished designer, entrepreneur, and community leader. The exhibit will run through January 3, 2025, with an opening reception on November 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., where attendees can meet Rose and gain insight into his work.
Tobias Rose, a 2005 NCCU graduate with a degree in art and a concentration in visual communications, founded Kompleks Creative, a Durham-based creative agency renowned for integrating hip-hop culture, comic book art, and business strategy into a cohesive and unique design approach. Rose’s career began humbly in his NCCU dorm room in the former Latham Residence Hall, where he launched his first venture, The Practice, which eventually evolved into Kompleks Creative. His agency is now one of Durham’s leading creative firms, working with clients across various industries to deliver design solutions that are visually compelling and strategically aligned with business objectives.
Kompleks Creative, under Rose’s leadership, has built a distinctive reputation. The agency’s work spans branding, graphic design, and web development, all influenced by Rose’s lifelong passion for old-school hip-hop, comic book art, and digital innovation. His unique approach has attracted high-profile clients across the region, including businesses, nonprofits, and universities, all of which appreciate Kompleks Creative’s ability to merge artistic vision with strategic execution. This exhibition allows visitors to see how Rose’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in his cultural passions and academic experiences.
Rose’s influence goes beyond his work with Kompleks Creative. As a dedicated mentor, he has shared his expertise with students, teaching graphic design at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Media and Journalism and web design at NCCU. He is also a frequent speaker at universities and professional gatherings, where he addresses topics like the intersection of art, culture, and business and the importance of fostering creativity within communities.
Rose’s contributions to the local community are also profound. In 2012, he was awarded NCCU’s Forty Under Forty award for his leadership in the arts and entrepreneurship. His co-founding of Durham’s Black Wall Street nonprofit and his role as chair of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce highlight his commitment to supporting economic growth, innovation, and diversity in the region.
The “Business of Art and Design” exhibition provides a comprehensive look at Rose’s professional achievements, including his branding and design work, influence on the local economy, and role in community initiatives. Visitors will see examples of Kompleks Creative’s most iconic projects, as well as personal items and archival materials that illustrate the path of an artist who has significantly impacted Durham’s cultural and creative landscape.
Admission to the exhibit and the opening reception is free of charge. The NCCU Art Museum, located at 580 East Lawson St. across from the Farrison-Newton Communications Building on the NCCU campus, is accessible to visitors with disabilities. It is open to the public on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For additional information or to schedule group visits, please contact the museum at (919) 530-7048.