I realized investing in art that reflects my identity + being able to support Black womxn while doing so, gives me the best feeling.
Sitting down to figure out what I want to decorate the walls of this new apartment has been tough because upon unpacking my box of labeled “wall decor”, I found a Frankenstein’s monster of eclectic pieces + frames. Though I had once loved them, the contents of that box looked as if Ansel Adams bumped Home Goods on a crowded train platform + accidentally swapped the contents of their briefcases. Don’t get me wrong – I still love black & white photography, as well as a good kitschy saying in a script font. I knew, however, that in this new space I wanted to curate something more meaningful.
Curating for me is an art expression (hence the color crush capsules) + is something I do slowly, with painstaking precision. All that considered, I chose to put off decorating my walls because my methods make me very indecisive + non-committal. With these prints, though, everything has fallen together so seamlessly!
My job – although wonderful – is often incredibly difficult + draining. The world is in an especially dark place these days + during this extended time at home, I decided I wanted my space to feel as affirming + uplifting as humanly possible. I realized investing in art that reflects my identity + being able to support Black womxn while doing so, gives me the best feeling.
These pieces have been a growing collection during quarantine + now that I’m able to see everything together, I’m feeling super good about bringing my vision to fruition. Below is a list of the artists I’ve purchased from, as well as a few more I came across. Their styles are all similar but distinct, + I’m ecstatic about tackling the puzzle of finding ways for all of these ladies beautiful art to work together to achieve a much needed vibe.
Row 1 (Left to Right)
Melissa Koby (@mkoby_) probably didn’t know when she responded to @signedblake’s story, that I – an avid watcher – would see Blake’s share of their convo, head to her page, + become an instant fan. I’ve purchased three prints from Melissa + expect that number will continue to grow. I love her use of muted pink tones, vibrant pops of yellow + green, + how the background of her prints appears sponged or pebbled. (Sizes, from left to right: 10” x 12”, 10 x 8”, 24 x 36”)
Stormy Nesbit (@_stormae) is a friend of Josie’s (Hello Silhouette) + comes highly recommended. I love her use of neutral hues – specifically the shades of brown she employs. I have four of Stormy’s prints + can’t wait for the next batch. She’s experimenting with a new style + I’m here for it. (Size: All 8” x 10”)
Length Check 
Peace 
Every Time We Link Up
Aline Kpade (@sacree_frangine) is half of the two-women duo that is SacrĆ©e Fragine. When I came across ‘Box Braids’ on Instagram, I promptly headed to the shop. I was immediately drawn to the softness of the images; the lack of harsh outlines + the use of overlapping transparent shapes to create shadows. I ordered Sunday Mood and – admittedly more sensual than I realized – Bisou Cou. I’m sorry mom + dad. (Size, from left to right: ~12”x 16”, 8” x 10”)
Bria Nicole (@briapaints) is Melissa Koby’s self proclaimed “art soul sister.” With a recommendation such as that, I obviously checked out her work. I purchased Unwind but also loved the darker, wine tones used in several others. (Size: Various; Ordered 12” x 16” w. border)
Mezay Ugbo (@theeverydayprintco) was featured on Etsy’s list of Black-owned shops to browse. I love her use of terracotta hues + chose Paola because it looked like an outfit I would put together. (Size: Various, Ordered 9” x 11”)
Row 2 (Left to Right)
Reyna Noriega (@reynanoriega_) was a lucky find! I stumbled on her Instagram page while searching for more artists for this post. Her style complimented the earthy tones + minimal facial features of my other purchases, but had a pop of color my bedroom was in desperate need of. Choosing three was almost impossible; I sent my mother no less than sixteen screenshots in one day. I included the other trios I curated but ruled out for my space below. They’re too good not to share. (Size: Various; Ordered 18” x 26” Wood Framed Canvases)
Paula Champagne (@makerchamp) is “inspired by her own experiences in the outdoorsāher most recent passion projects explore and honor the intersection of blackness, nature, and the quiet resistance of rest.” Marinate on that last part for a moment. Paula is also a local artist, which makes me extra excited to support her work in the future.
Nicholle Kobi (@nichollekobi) “is an Afro-French artist based in New York since 2018…[Her] art is mostly directed towards black women, independent, modern and not afraid to break the codes. Especially for Afro women in predominantly European societies.” While organizing this post, I realized I saved several of Nicholle’s prints in 2017. Envisioning how her art could decorate in my home, was one of the earliest iterations of this passion project.
Amber Murayi (@unprofessional_mom) creates illustrations “inspired by [her] childhood, women throughout [her] life and the woman [she] aspire[s] to be. [She] was blessed to grow up in a house that celebrated the black experience…[She] can only hope to have a similar impact on others.“
Francesca Miiya (@francescamiya) uses a warm, muted palette to create images with detailed floral arrangements juxtaposed with simple silhouettes. The prints below are inspired by current events + there are limited copies.
Row 3 (Left to Right)
Lindsay Adams (@lindsaybriadams) “[is] a DMV Native…[and] is passionate about diversity and inclusion, art , and education.” Her gorgeous paintings are printed on premium canvas paper in a variety of services.
Gabby Kromah (@gabriellekdesigns) began sharing her sketches recently. Though Gabby is currently sharing pieces based on recent events, she also has a passion for fashion + the images below of popular influencers + creatives are a handful of my faves she published on Instagram.
Kadeja, Kligg Co. (@kligg.co) “create[s] images that represent Black women like [her]. [She] create[s] images to inspire Black girls to design and blend colors that represent & resonate with them.“
Melarie Odelusi (@melarieodelusi) “is a freelance illustrator and lettering artist working in Dallas, TX…She offers art with modern edge, feminine hues and intentional lines that captures women in solidarity and unity.“
Destiny Darcel (@destinydarcel) is an Atlanta-based artist. She currently balances working as a software engineer, designer, + illustrator.
LG (@lg.sketches) is based in Detroit, MI + specializes in minimal art. I’ve added photographerBae (pictured to the right) to my cart + also love ‘essence.’
Once again, I’ve been so happy to share all this #Blackgirlmagic on social + now on the blog. What other Black womxn artists do you know? Drop their info in the comments below! (Disclaimer: Their are a handful of commission links throughout this post.)
