Here you will find my current and archived exhibitions. This is where you can learn more about my inspirations, process and research behind the finished artwork. Contact me with any inquiries for purchase.
Pain Monsters
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These artworks are made with the idea to combat my chronic pain. These art monsters appear when I am overwhelmed with pain, which is all of the time. However, I do my best to use my creativity to deal with with these emotions through artmaking.
Learn more about my work here: www.canva.com/design/DAETz8JBeAo/YzkY8C512_2T9hJ9hUVB1w/view?website#4 Peoples Gallery Project: JOY A Whimsical Show |
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I had the great opportunity to show one of my paintings in an exhibitions centered around joy. This series of painting speaks to the weight that is put onto Black and Brown bodies and it visualizes if we were not burdened by this weight we would simply lift off of the ground and fly. The Black bodies are swirling and soaring in the sky gleefully.
I am also is proclaiming in this image that joy, especially Black joy could be represented as self isolations. To be left a lone, to not be bothered. In a society where Black people are hyper and under visualizes all at the same time. |
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The Clay Studio of Philadelphia: 50 Years in the Making
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This exhibition was a wonderful opportunity to have a full spectrum of Philadelphia sculptures and ceramics in their 50th anniversary of The Clay Studio.
I had the honor of showing among these artist and contribute one of my newest vessels. With this vessel I used a common motif of cowrie shells. It represents a pot that holds your abundance and wealth. I often use cowrie shells to highlight one of the earliest forms of monies used in African, Caribbean and other indigenous cultures in the Global majority. Along with the fact that they signify a deeper meaning to me as they are found in some of the deepest waters and water is also a common theme in my work. |
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Icebox Project Space: Now One With Everyone Exhibition
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I had the pleasure of showing some of my newer paintings in a group show. This is such an important and phenomenal show to be involved in because it's a comprehensive survey of the artists in the city. I included artwork that was in my most recent series: I Am Where I Am Going.
In this series I commenting that you/self is what is always on the horizon and that studying yourself and gaining knowledge of self is what brings abundance rather than being distracted by the rest of the outwardly worldly containers. In this painting I am using landscape, color and glitter to designate space, body and imagination. |
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TILT Institute: Philadelphia Photo Day 2026
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Exhibiting with TILT this year was so great because unlike other year's this year there was a them to highlight the 250th anniversary of the United States. I wanted to create a photo that visually communicated and captures what patriotism was in America as an African American.
In this photo I am standing at the original site of the Presidents House in Philadelphia where at the time of the exhibition panels we taken down by the president that depicted texts that elaborated on the dealings of slavery in Philadelphia and how George Washington eluded laws to keep his enslaved from gaining freedom. Since then, the panels have been unfortunately removed and I stand here not removed to stand there in my truth; along with the ancestors before me. I stand on the many Black Philadelphians before me and follow in heir footsteps. I am never to be removed and I am represented by my American flag. Red, Black and Green. |
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Room For Grief Exhibition: Jocko's Mourning
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In this exhibition I had the wonderful opportunity to use my artwork to express my perspectives on the rage of grief and how it impacts us as humans. Being that 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the United States; I have been tying many of my series of artworks into these concepts.
For this artwork, I did a huge deep dive being inspired about what does patriotism look like? and What a veteran looks like? Especially for African Americans during the Revolutionary War. I do a lot of research with my artwork and it lead me to wanting to express the story of a young boy named Jocko Graves and highlight his short and tragic life. Though it was short, I wanted to depict a moment in time to respect a life mourned and loss. I wanted to highlight his contribution in the journey towards the nations Independence. I believe this young man life should be honored and that hid life gad to been mourned by his father, his mother, family and the community hat loved him. This painting depicts all that loved him laying him to rest. Jocko did not die for George Washington, but lost s life in a tragic way, yet his life and efforts should be spoken in the same line as Crispus Attucks. It is also unfortunately that throughout the years after his contribution, racist reconfigured his likeness to stereotype African Americans to represents subserviency and that is far from the truth. To learn more about the exhibition and Jocko's story check out the links below: metrophiladelphia.com/stories/room-for-grief-philadelphia-art-exhibit,143178 blackpast.org/african-american-history/graves-jocko-1764-1776/ |
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Davinci Art Alliance: Artist Residency
Ode to Philadelphia Street Vendors 2023
These series of drawings are inspired and an ode to the Black and Brown peoples of Philadelphia who sell and offer their services as street vendors, service men and women, streets sales peoples who’s entrepreneurship, hustle and innovation have sustained all of us through our daily wants and needs.
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To Learn more about the original Cries of Philadelphia 1850 pamphlet visit this link below:
digitallibrary.hsp.org/index.php/Detail/objects/1091
To hear me speak about this series of work check out theses links below:
drive.google.com/file/d/1WnQuMdickhBI9PTlDK83cJiuIk-qAxwU/view?usp=drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qUAW5le1DZbPV9tUGLStbozkITX0c3tk/view?usp=drive_link
drive.google.com/file/d/1VO5U6UZ8LFLMn1HRGLC32jmVsyDEbvOM/view?usp=drive_link
Common Space/ Espacio Exhibition
Amber Arts 10th Anniversary
ICE BOX Project-Philadelphia
The exhibition dives into themes that resonate with all of us, including communality, history, memory, collaboration, and investment in community voices. But it’s not just about the past; the show explores the timeless human act of gathering, sharing a meal, and exchanging ideas.
My artwork in the exhibition contribute to the visual landscape of Philadelphia. I have been examining the connections of trash, place and dumping of culture symbolized by the issue of pollution and illegal dumping in and around Philadelphia. Here in this painting I am using color, saturation and shape to create a space that may be familiar. While looking at the piece; think about where you are as the viewer.
Learn more about the exhibition here: www.muralarts.org/blog/common-space-espacio-comun-celebrating-a-decade-of-creativity-with-amber-art-design/
Listen to me speak more about this artwork here: drive.google.com/file/d/1bvEM3GG4PTgX8Gn2QwbEL84TpiypO_kV/view?usp=sharing
My artwork in the exhibition contribute to the visual landscape of Philadelphia. I have been examining the connections of trash, place and dumping of culture symbolized by the issue of pollution and illegal dumping in and around Philadelphia. Here in this painting I am using color, saturation and shape to create a space that may be familiar. While looking at the piece; think about where you are as the viewer.
Learn more about the exhibition here: www.muralarts.org/blog/common-space-espacio-comun-celebrating-a-decade-of-creativity-with-amber-art-design/
Listen to me speak more about this artwork here: drive.google.com/file/d/1bvEM3GG4PTgX8Gn2QwbEL84TpiypO_kV/view?usp=sharing
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 Title: OMW (One My Way)
Medium: Acrylic on round wooden board
Size: 12 inch diameter
Year: 2023
This artwork is for sale
Contact me for any inquiries. All artworks are copyrighted |
Davinci Art Alliance-Philadelphia
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Title: The Weight of It All,
Acrylic and glitter on a 12 inch round wooden board
This artwork is for sale
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As a young child my parents would foster my creativity by giving me beautifully illustrated children's bools that I cherish today. One of those books was called, The People Could Fly, an anthology of African American folklore written by Virginia Hamilton. Reading, writing and research have always been a part of my inspiration process as a visual artists
In one of the stories it told of enslaved Africans that one day just lifted in the air and flew off of the plantation. In this new painting I thought of the "Weight Of It All" The weight that a=has been place on the Black body on this planet. I envisioned this story further to think if Black people could fly and no one knew about it.
This artwork speaks to the urning of weightlessness. To not have to hold the world's weight at least without my consent. These Black bodies are swirling and twirling in the sky on their own time only concerned with how to soar higher.
In one of the stories it told of enslaved Africans that one day just lifted in the air and flew off of the plantation. In this new painting I thought of the "Weight Of It All" The weight that a=has been place on the Black body on this planet. I envisioned this story further to think if Black people could fly and no one knew about it.
This artwork speaks to the urning of weightlessness. To not have to hold the world's weight at least without my consent. These Black bodies are swirling and twirling in the sky on their own time only concerned with how to soar higher.
NoName Gallery- Philadelphia
Exhibition for Artist Of NW Philadelphia
Title: This Is All You Can See, Cuz You Can't Handle The Rest, Acrylic paint, thick medium on wooden board
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This artwork is for sale
Contact me for any inquiries. All work is copyrighted |
These new paintings are form my group exhibition with NoName Gallery in Philadelphia. These artworks were created in a space of self preservation as I recover from the constant disrespect and bombardment of pressures as a Black Women.
Every second is a fight. A fight to smile, a fight to be, a fight to live. At many times I am fighting for my ancestors. In this present time I am also fighting for me for my future me. I am choosing to let me artwork talk, pray and let God do the rest. A lyric I love form rapper Lil' Wayne.
I currently have a series of 6, however I would like to continue to expand to possibly 30, so I can arrange them in various ways. I am going to continue to create artwork to resolve this feeling and further peruse expressing my humanity that is not considered on a daily bases no matter how many DEI webinars folks go to. Or no matter how many core values you write. As a Black women battling the exploitation and disrespect is an job in itself.
Every second is a fight. A fight to smile, a fight to be, a fight to live. At many times I am fighting for my ancestors. In this present time I am also fighting for me for my future me. I am choosing to let me artwork talk, pray and let God do the rest. A lyric I love form rapper Lil' Wayne.
I currently have a series of 6, however I would like to continue to expand to possibly 30, so I can arrange them in various ways. I am going to continue to create artwork to resolve this feeling and further peruse expressing my humanity that is not considered on a daily bases no matter how many DEI webinars folks go to. Or no matter how many core values you write. As a Black women battling the exploitation and disrespect is an job in itself.
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Davinci Art Alliance:
Inside Out, Upside Down, and Sideways During this exhibition I was able to share a budding series that I have been working on to decipher my urban landscape using texture, shape, form and color as spatial language. I am very much interested in landscape, ecology and memory within placemaking. Through these forms and volumes I hope to convey a spatial nostalgia in which I live within.
I am also interested in a visual vernacular when it comes to space, place and urban landscapes. Urban landscapes offer a lot more than than just cubes, rectangles and concrete. Through my close observations and techniques I try to reveal the beauty, tenacity and layers of life within the spirit and conversations of these landscape. This paining has a sibling that comes with it. I will update this image. Learn more about the exhibition here: davinciartalliance.org/inside-out-upside-down-and-sideways?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=65b538cd49e3923f76ea5504&ss_email_id=65b7ef37754f3839740b263b&ss_campaign_name=%F0%9F%8E%AF+Our+February+Exhibitions%21&ss_campaign_sent_date=2024-01-29T18%3A32%3A53Z |
Title: Hoodscape, Acrylic on canvas,
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Philadelphia Black History:
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Title: Sarah Mapps Douglass
Colored pencil, graphite, charcoal, acrylic paint, patterned paper
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Camden Fireworks: Storytelling Quilts
The Journey
I was so excited to be a part of this phenomenal exhibition at the Camden Firework located in Camden New Jersey.
It was so inspiring being among such remarkable artist as you were able to see the range between fire, painting, mixed media and textile manipulation. I have been using textiles and storytelling quilting for a long time, however this was the first time I had the opportunity to exhibit this dimension of my art. So in short I am elated!
"The Journey" visualizes the data, historical records and archives that display the records of the Northern Atlantic Slave Trade where enslaved Africans were transported to and from the shores of Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey using the Atlantic and Delaware River. However this includes many norther states such as New England, Boston, New York and the Mid-Atlantic.
This is part of an ongoing series of artworks where I am exploring the connections of liberation, water, Philadelphia, land and the Black body.
This artwork and the process is a way that I want to continue to highlight the research that I do when being inspired. This quilt is a literal visual mathematical equation, storytelling, and history lesson all hands stitched. Each detail, texture and shape represents something for the viewer to explore, decipher and learn.
Click the link below to watch a video of me sharing my process and inspiration.
drive.google.com/file/d/1FgHHilYgAnTr6GNxr3CYp_0T_cBiwc4u/view?usp=sharing
It was so inspiring being among such remarkable artist as you were able to see the range between fire, painting, mixed media and textile manipulation. I have been using textiles and storytelling quilting for a long time, however this was the first time I had the opportunity to exhibit this dimension of my art. So in short I am elated!
"The Journey" visualizes the data, historical records and archives that display the records of the Northern Atlantic Slave Trade where enslaved Africans were transported to and from the shores of Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey using the Atlantic and Delaware River. However this includes many norther states such as New England, Boston, New York and the Mid-Atlantic.
This is part of an ongoing series of artworks where I am exploring the connections of liberation, water, Philadelphia, land and the Black body.
This artwork and the process is a way that I want to continue to highlight the research that I do when being inspired. This quilt is a literal visual mathematical equation, storytelling, and history lesson all hands stitched. Each detail, texture and shape represents something for the viewer to explore, decipher and learn.
Click the link below to watch a video of me sharing my process and inspiration.
drive.google.com/file/d/1FgHHilYgAnTr6GNxr3CYp_0T_cBiwc4u/view?usp=sharing
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Title: The Journey
Size: 18x27
Medium: Hand stitched, handprinted, cotton fabric, canvas, tule, mirrors
Year: 2024
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TILT: Photo Day Philadelphia 2024I had the exciting opportunity to contribute a photo to the TILIT Institute exhibition of Philly Photo Day. This was a great experience where I could share how much I love Philadelphia and the beauty I see everyday in it's residents, history and urban landscape.
I am a Subway Jawn and I am always subway surfing all the time throughout Philadelphia to conduct art programs all over the city so I exhibited a picture of me on the subway. You wont find me in the nail salon or the club, but you can find me on the subway. Learn more about the exhibition by clicking the link below: tiltinstitute.org/event/philly-photo-day-2024-exhibition/ |
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Philadelphia Liberation Center:
People Power-Anti-Imperialist Exhibition
Al- Omari Mosque, Gaza City
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The Philadelphia Liberation Center is a community hub for solidarity, struggle, and socialist political education staffed by volunteers from the Party for Socialism and Liberation. I had the important opportunity to use my art to contribute to this important exhibition that pushed commentaries on the war in Palestine.
Black and Brown people have been in solidarity with the peoples of Palestine and their fight for land sovereignty for a long time. In the 1950s, Malcom X was one of the earliest major African-American figures to support the Palestinian cause. Later in the 1960's, The Black Panther Party continued to supported the Palestinian cause. In this painting I wanted to capture the Al-Omari Mosques that was demolished during the war in October 2023. This mosques was located in the middle of Gaza City and had been there and in operation since the 4TH CENTURY! Now it is currently in rubbles with only a few minarets sill standing. I wanted to create this painting to commemorate the long standing history of a people living and thriving in the Fertile Crescent before all the conflicts in Palestine. Mosques are used for so mam things to support communities that live there around it. To think that tis building was ruined is devastating to me and is another form of violence. I hope this painting can be another way to remember the humanity, resilience and faith of the Palestinian People. ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE! |
Title: Al-Omari Mosque, Gaza City
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 9x12
Year: 2024
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Icebox Project Space: Now, With Everyone
I had the wonderful opportunity to share two of my newest paintings in my recent exhibition, Now, With Everyone. Icebox Projects is such an exciting exhibition space and I was honored to be show artwork with other talented Philadelphia artists. I have been working on painting and drawing clouds and I wanted to convey the feelings of the labor it takes to rest.
These paintings are about what it takes to seek out peace, rest and restoration specifically for the Black body. I have been thinking of the weight of a cloud and the weight upon Black shoulders. I wanted to explore the tuffs, mass and forms that billow and bubble when one Black mind is able to form their ideals of freedom without being interrupted.
The mass of the clouds also speak to the mounds of dumping that I see around the city. The color Black in the clouds represent inspiration and the glitter represents the vastness of imagination achieved once rest had been applied.
These paintings are about what it takes to seek out peace, rest and restoration specifically for the Black body. I have been thinking of the weight of a cloud and the weight upon Black shoulders. I wanted to explore the tuffs, mass and forms that billow and bubble when one Black mind is able to form their ideals of freedom without being interrupted.
The mass of the clouds also speak to the mounds of dumping that I see around the city. The color Black in the clouds represent inspiration and the glitter represents the vastness of imagination achieved once rest had been applied.
Title: Rest Pilles I
Medium: Acrylic, thick medium, glitter on canvas
Size: 18x24
Detail of Rest Piles II
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Title: Rest Piles II
Medium: Acrylic paint, thick medium, and glitter on a round wooden board
Size: 12 inches
Year: 2024
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Pancakes and Booze: Philadelphia
I had such a great time at Pancakes and Booze Philadelphia. I didn't have any booze, but my new obsession of painting and pancakes has been born! I
had the pleasure of exhibiting with other Philly artists and artisans and it was so much fun! During the experience I showed some of my newest mixed media paintings and I also did live painting. These artworks are inspired by energy flow. I used the color to encourage a sense of temperature and movement. In addition to the paint I incorporated tissue paper balls that support the color conversation and add another level of dimension. These artworks took over 200+ hours to complete. Energy is engulfed in each ball and every color was chosen precisely. Each ball is the same size purposefully. I also used this technique and process to cope with my chronic pain while making the artwork. 
Pancake and Booze Art Show 2024
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Size: 12 inches
Medium: Acrylic paint, tissue paper and glitter on a round wooden board
Year: 2024
Size: 18x24
Medium: Acrylic paint, tissue paper and glitter on canvas
Year: 2024
Detail of artwork
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Davinci Art Alliance: Perennial Visions
I had the pleasure of being a part of this exhibition where I was able to share one of my newest artworks. It is always phenomenal to show with other talented artists. This art work has multiple dimensions with 2D and 3D.
As I develop my visual language, I am interested in exploring various textures to convey an expression. The process of making this work was self regulating and mediative. Each tissue paper balled up is me imagining crushing my own chronic pain. |
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Collide Zine Philly-Issue 8
Collide Zine Philly is one of the best places to lee pan eye on emerging artists, writers comic artists and illustrators, I had the honor to share one of my newer paintings in this issue. These works are a fairly new expression that I have been working on. In these artworks I am using color theory and saturation to create a visual destination or mindscape.
In this edition my artwork collaborated with another writer and I think it paired really well.
To learn more about my work and where you can purchase the magazine click the link: www.patreon.com/CollideZinePhilly/shop/issue-8-digital-614337?source=storefront
In this edition my artwork collaborated with another writer and I think it paired really well.
To learn more about my work and where you can purchase the magazine click the link: www.patreon.com/CollideZinePhilly/shop/issue-8-digital-614337?source=storefront
Visual Art Journal-No. 9 September 2024
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It has been such an honor to have been interviewed in Visual Art Journal. I have admired the magazine and I am too excited to be in such a great publication of my peers. This was not my first time in a publication, however this was the first time I was interviewed in such an intentional way.
This was such a great opportunity and experience. I loved seeing my artwork in this format and I am really proud of the art and how it is represents me. Interviews allow me to share a bit of my the ethos with my inspirations. I love watching and reading about other artists and their interviews. I think you can learn a lot. We all have a story and ways to connect and I am really excited to share my interview for readers. Learn more about Visual Art Journal to subscribe and to read my article by clicking the link below: visualartjournal.com/2024/09/15/jihan-thomas/ |
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Cultureworks and Davinci Art Alliance:
Sound and Vision Exhibition
I had such the pleasure of exhibiting with other DVAA artists. This newer artwork uses color saturation, shape and form to communicate my experience in the Philadelphia landscape. Issues on climate change, illegal dumping and urban planning are all layers within this work.
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Title: This Is Why I'm Hot
Size: 18x30
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
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Davinci Art Alliance: I Am Where I am Going
Solo Show at Atria Philadelphia
I had the wonderful honor of being invited to have a solo show with the Davinci Art Alliance. This was such a pivotal point in my art journey because I was able to show a full breath of my work and it felt so good to show my work in this way.
I was able to show works that I had been exhibiting over the last two years and I created 8 brand new artworks for this exhibition. For this exhibition I wanted to have a connecting thread for all the world have been creating. Thematically this body of work is all about carving out space, time and energy specifically for the benefit of myself. I am very inspired by Rashida Phillips perspective on time and space in her newest book, Dismantling the Masters Clock and with the application of Tricia Hersey's Nap Ministry. These artworks are visually symbolizing letting go of the burdens that are constantly put on Black shoulders. Even more so for Black women. In the artworks I use Black clouds, jeweled tones and floating Black bodies to represent this inspiration. To learn more about this exhibition click on the link below: davinciartalliance.org/i-am-where-i-am-going |
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Cultureworks and Davinci Art Alliance: Philadelphia Futures and Legacies
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Artist: Jihan Thomas
Title: The Future is Yours
Medium: Collage and painting on round wooden board
Size: 12 inch in diameter
Year: 2025
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I had the opportunity to be a part of such a thought provoking exhibition. In this exhibition we imagined what the future of Philadelphia could look like. I am always thinking of his and using my art to support shaping my city. Like any city, I think we have a lot of work to do however it all starts with an aspiration and it takes daily actions to make it happen.
In this artwork I used images of Philadelphia neighborhoods and landscape along side colorful organic shapes. Along with a mirror tiles; and one large mirror in the center. The mirror in the center signifies that your reflection is the first answer. We have to look at our selves in the mirror and see where the change can happen.
To learn more about this exhibition or to purchase this works click the link below:
davinciartalliance.org/philadelphia-futures-legacies-cultureworks
In this artwork I used images of Philadelphia neighborhoods and landscape along side colorful organic shapes. Along with a mirror tiles; and one large mirror in the center. The mirror in the center signifies that your reflection is the first answer. We have to look at our selves in the mirror and see where the change can happen.
To learn more about this exhibition or to purchase this works click the link below:
davinciartalliance.org/philadelphia-futures-legacies-cultureworks
Art Battel Philadelphia Exhibition |
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I had the pleasure of being a contestant in Art Battle Philadelphia; where visual artists compete to win in their area. This is an international art competition. After representing North Philadelphia, I was able to join other Philadelphia Art Battle Contestants in a group show. It was so great to see the full spectrum of everyone's artwork and to now be a part of this Art Battle Philly Crew
For my Art Battle experience I chose to create a painting of an armored Black women. I regularly create these fierce, armored chrome breasted Black women and femmes when I am feeling that I need to get ready or prepare for what comes. For Black women the world can be very dangerous. Clearly!
In addition, this painting in particular comes as my response to the murder of Sonya Massey as an ode to her. This painting is a part of an ongoing series that brings awareness to the violence of Black Women and how self preservation is resistance. I embelleds gold chaiims and feathers within the paintfg
To learn more about Sonya Massey click on the link below:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/12/sonya-massey-shooting-family-settlement
For my Art Battle experience I chose to create a painting of an armored Black women. I regularly create these fierce, armored chrome breasted Black women and femmes when I am feeling that I need to get ready or prepare for what comes. For Black women the world can be very dangerous. Clearly!
In addition, this painting in particular comes as my response to the murder of Sonya Massey as an ode to her. This painting is a part of an ongoing series that brings awareness to the violence of Black Women and how self preservation is resistance. I embelleds gold chaiims and feathers within the paintfg
To learn more about Sonya Massey click on the link below:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/12/sonya-massey-shooting-family-settlement
Davinci Art Alliance: Stumbling Through
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In this exhibition I was able to show one of my newest paintings. In this painting I am beginning to use color to designate the personality of the Philadelphia landscape. I wanted to capture the textures, back yards and alleys of Philadelphia using jeweled ones.
I'm also commenting on the affects of violence in my city by using the balloons to symbolize loss of innocence due to gun violence.
To learn more about this exhibition click the link below:
davinciartalliance.org/stumbling-through
I'm also commenting on the affects of violence in my city by using the balloons to symbolize loss of innocence due to gun violence.
To learn more about this exhibition click the link below:
davinciartalliance.org/stumbling-through