Artist Bio

Artist and Curator, AJ, received a B.A Fine Arts from Virginia State University. After college she moved to NYC and began developing a love for the art scene. Not necessarily having the time to create art, she noticed a need in her community of artists. There was a need for a “space” in the new emerging black art scene. A space to brand themselves, network and sell their work. In just a decade she was able to develop several community based events through the company's “Canvas and Cocktails NYC”, “The ArtHub NYC”. After years of curating she has found her way back to creating art. Finding her sense of self through a body of work will show growth, perseverance, passion and ambition that was strengthened over the years.

Artist Statement

The pieces selected for this show are dedicated to the emotional vulnerability of the female spirit. Naturally we are emotional creatures who may wear our heart on our sleeves. We love big, we love hard and we love with purpose. Being able to express one’s feelings without shame is a super power. At times those superpowers come with anxiety but nonetheless provide us with character.

This body of work is an acrylic painting on a large scale canvas. An older concept for me, but now has resurfaced. In the last few years I’ve been a mixed media artist focusing on paper collaging, stenciling with painted backgrounds. An amazing concept in which I can use literal images to make and manipulate narratives. Painting and the use of a brush and pen for me requires a bit more emotion. My mind and heart have to work together to produce the images, my hand eye coordination has to be on point. For women’s month I wanted to transfer my energy onto my piece through paint brush and pen. The pieces reveal confidence, anxiety, imposter syndrome, love, sexuality patience and vulnerability.