With museums closed to the public and the amount of time we’re spending in our homes, we’re seeking out ways to convert our living spaces to become their own galleries. And since this makes us curators, we’re seeking to offer real estate to local Black artists given the lack of representation in most major U.S. museums. If you’re with us, check out our top picks for local artists, below. And if you think we missed somebody, and yes, it can be you, let us know! If we love what we see, we may find some wall space for it.
Domonique Brown
Domonique Brown is an artist from Pomona focusing her subject matter on Black men and women with an emphasis on Black power, creativity, and culture. Her prints are absolutely stunning and offer a variety of sizes on canvas or premium grade archival paper. But her story is just as inspiring as her art. After working up the courage to put a price tag on her artwork, she grew her business out of her parent’s kitchen. Her business has bloomed, yet, she still manages all of the marketing, sales, and even shipping. Yep, when you send her an email or buy her work, she’s the one who replies and the one who ships. Since we think she’s likely to become pretty famous, you may want to keep the package the art comes in.
Walker Noble Studios
Walker Noble Studios is located in Los Angeles and promotes itself as a Black-owned business. With soft, fluid curves and simple lines all composed with muted hues, the works are room elevating. Personally, it makes us want to pour up some spicy chai and break out our jazz records. And in following with their own mission of believing art should be able to be had by anyone, their prices leave us with some room to not only add their artwork to our walls, but also get a few more albums to compliment.
Nett Designs
Jeanette Gonzales is a Los Angeles based graphic designer, illustrator, and painter who captures your attention with bold patterns and exceptional lettering. Subjects of her art range from issues around racial justice to female positivity. Outside of direct art sales, she’s illustrated for the New York Times and the California Lottery. Check out her art prints to offer your home space some serious inspiration. But if your wall space is already a bit full, consider checking out her extended collection of items, such as tea towels, coffee mugs, and phone cases.
Skool Boiz
Duan Kellum is the artist, educator, and activist of Skool Boiz, a local screenprinting studio. Kellum spoke at our Black Business Leaders panel in 2020, sharing his artistic values and community activism. But let’s back to the art. Kellum utilizes screenprinting to portray hard-hitting political messages. Topics focus on school violence, immigration, and Black representation. If you believe art is less about relaxing and more about starting a dialogue, Kellum’s work is sure to deliver.
Courtney Simone Art
Courtney Simone is a California native and currently resides outside of San Diego. Simone’s work features depictions of Black women engaging in everyday activities, with notably exaggerated curves. Additionally, she features abstract expressionist works layered with paint, capturing the motions of her brush. Additionally, Simone walks the fine balance between art and wearable fashion with her jewelry.
