Hello hello! Today I have a fun post for you centered around artists and inclusion! I have rounded up my favorite powerful art prints in multiple styles, but the main theme is BOLDNESS. All of these prints are by individual artists and are not mass produced, which is pretty special. Something else to note in this post, this is the first time I checked the race of the artist to ensure I am properly honoring all races and equally representing Black artists. I am happy to report that there are 12 non-white artists in this awesome roundup of 20–and that was kind of by accident. I curated a collection of every piece I loved (as I usually do), and when I looked back at that list to ensure proper representation, white artists were the minority. Cool, right? There is so much talent out there to discover and share!
20 Powerful Art Prints
Finding new artists and artists who are not white was EASY. So, so easy. And it was a joy! I believe that cultural inclusion is incredibly important for creativity (and the world in general). We are all better when we experience all of each other. So without further adieu, I am honored to include this round up of artists and their work. These people are uber talented and I hope you will consider supporting them in their quest to make life more beautiful for us all. It’s such a noble pursuit:-)
1. Amira Rahim ‘New Beginnings’
About the artist:
For Amira, art was a hobby as she studied for law school. She was very influenced by realist and impressionist painters, but her style was too technical to get the result she desired. So she tried painting her emotions! Her first painting where she tried this new abstract technique got attention and multiple people asking to buy. That painting emotions technique launched her career and since then, she has brightened the homes of people all over the world.
“It’s meditative, hypnotizing, and the best way for me to express the human experience.”
-Amira Rahim
2. Nicolle Cure ‘Yellow Symphony’
About the artist:
Nicolle is a Colombian American artist based in Miami, Florida. In 2017, she suffered a Sudden Unilateral Hearing Loss (SSHL), which caused severe balance problems, constant nausea and dizziness, and high sensitivity to sound. From this life-altering experience, she created The Colors of Sound, a series of over 100 paintings where she uses inks and paints to mimic the energy and movement of sound waves. Through her work, she explores the relationship between sound and life. Nicolle has donated her time and art to fundraising initiatives led by the Hearing Health Foundation and Vestibular Disorders Organization (VeDA).
“My goal is to use my art as a medium to continue raising awareness about hearing loss related conditions and contribute to research for the cure of these invisible disabilities”.
-Nicolle Cure
Learn more
*Nicolle is releasing a new collection this summer, so stay tuned for a write up of that too!
3. Heart Odyssey ‘Magic Cube’
About the artist:
Amber Michelle, the artist behind Heart Odyssey, is also a photographer and musician based in Arkansas. She is an enthusiastic supporter of Our House, an organization that empowers homeless and near-homeless families in Arkansas. Amber donates 40% of proceeds from selected works to the Our House initiative while also volunteering for the Our House Little Learners program.
“It’s my mission to inspire love, spark interest, and heal hearts through the arts.”
-Amber Michelle
4. Mister Michelle ‘Equilibrium’
About the artist:
Michelle deeply believes in the mystery and discovery process of art. She says her never ending desire for exploration is at the heart of her creative work. She celebrates transformation and refers to it as her “creative metamorphosis”. Michelle inspires others to create what makes them feel most alive and advocates that your life is the “ever changing masterpiece”.
“But what is art if it isn’t birthed into existence for others mind’s eyes to see? Sharing is undeniably the most sincere form of love.”
-Michelle Robinson
5. BMBI ‘Blue Door’
About the artist:
A. Stewart, of BMBI, is an Australian artist currently residing in France. Stewart has a focus on minimalist design and colors inspired by traveling. The ever evolving scenery and landscape of Europe are of particular interest and are beautifully represented in the paintings.
6. Amber Vittoria ‘There’s Only Room for One Art print’
About the artist
Amber is an illustrator living in NYC. She has an impressive resume of notable clients including the New York Times, CB2, Adidas, Instagram, and many more. Her artwork demonstrates a colorful flow that is interesting, mood boosting, and a very popular expression of the self.
7. Yeshi Designs ‘Yoga is for Every Body’
About the artist:
Sophia Yeshi is a queer Black and South Asian graphic designer and illustrator living in Brooklyn. Sophia created Yeshi Designs to amplify the voices of Black women, women of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. She says these people are “bold, dynamic, and demand attention.” Sophia works with corporate brands and creates culturally relevant artwork centered around issues she is passionate about such as body positivity, mental health, self confidence, and climate change.
8. Sara Schroeder ‘Land and Sea IV’
About the artist:
Sara is passionate about the intersection of color and psychology. She echoes Kandinsky’s belief that color influences the soul. Sara says her art includes the psychology of color, intuition, and chance. This international artist aims to inspire the human spirit as she integrates what psychotherapist, Carl Rogers, calls “unconditional positive regard.”
9. MPGM ‘Shape Study #32’
About the artists:
Marie-Pier Guilmain and Maud Beauchamp created MPGM in 2013. The duo is driven by inspiration and challenges, and pride themselves on fusing pieces of everything and everywhere into a meaningful work of art. Their style is vibrant, funky, and optimistic with a great sense of marrying positive and negative space for a high impact design.
10. Jade Purple Brown ‘Women of Color’
About the artist:
Jade Purple Brown is an artist living in New York City. Her work is centered around STRENGTH. Jade uses optimistic messaging about individuality and empowerment through strong figures, vibrant colors, and powerful designs. With loads of top clients like Facebook, TikTok, NYC Pride, Apple, she imbues playful strength to her recognizable works around the globe.
11. Kehinde Wiley ‘The Virgin Martyr St. Cecilia’
*This is SO unique. It is a BEACH TOWEL. Yes, I’m counting this as a life sized, 3D art print because it is just that incredible. The original, a painting from 2008 entitled ‘Down’, is relevant today more than ever. Another fun fact to note: Wiley did President Obama’s portrait!
About the artist:
Kehinde has become they key portrait artist of our day. He has resurrected the art of portrait painting and breathed new life into his take on the Old World. His paintings are marked with strength, dignity, and vibrancy. Kehinde draws his inspiration from European noblemen and aristocrats and paints his models (most are taken directly from the streets of NYC) in a style similar to the Old Masters. Then, he pushes his technique further, and drops them into a scene that is completely fictional. His background scenes can range from wallpaper to architectural details. The result is a powerful symbol of Black strength and resiliency throughout the ages, with a timelessness and hint of historical familiarity.
“I think it’s important to destabilize yourself, and I do it because I want to see people who look like me.”
-Kehinde Wiley
12. Malene Barnett ‘Adjoa’
About the artist:
Malene Barnett is not only an artist, but she is also an activist and authority on translating cultural practices of African art into the Black experience of today. Her work is gripping, powerful, and rooted in a desire to share her African heritage with those around the world. Malene is also the founder of the Black Artists and Designers Guild, whose goal is to combat the lack of Black representation in the design industry. She uses textiles, paintings, and ceramics to as a way of exploring what it means to be Black in America.
13. Beth Winterburn ‘5/15.1’
About the artist:
Beth’s roots are in architecture and photography. The large strokes and sweeping motions reflect her mathematical mindset of balance. The natural gestures guide you throughout her pieces that merge light and dark with dynamic minimalism. Through experimentation, she challenges her desire for control, therefore opening up the pieces like a breath of fresh air and space.
14. Morgan Harper Nichols ‘Breathe’
About the artist:
Morgan Harper Nichols creates daily pieces with a poetic and encouraging narrative and a background of beautiful art. At the heart of her work, Morgan believes that creativity and art are valuable tools for connecting with others and for demonstrating what matters most. In 2017, she invited people to submit their stories to her privately via her website and she would then create an encouraging reaction in the form of an art piece. This practice continues each day and you can see the fruits of her labor shared on her Instagram page as well as other social media outlets.
” For me, this is about learning to hold what is known and unknown, in grace.”
-Morgan Harper Nichols
15. Temi Coker ‘Poster 086’
About the artist:
Temiloluwa (Temi) Coker is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Nigeria and now residing in Texas. His upbringing in Lagos, Nigeria as well as his love for the African Diaspora has greatly influenced his art. From his vibrant colors to enveloping textures, homage is paid to the African culture that is the subject of each unique piece. Through Temi’s artwork, he seeks to evoke emotion through storytelling, pattern, and color palette. Temi is an Adobe Creative Resident alumni and he has a slew of notable clients including Apple, Instagram, and Google.
16. Emily Keating Snyder ‘Gold Lion with Gold Parallel Lines’
About the artist:
Emily Keating Snyder is a native New Yorker currently residing in Los Angeles, a city she says is sacred if you are a color lover. She blends intellectualized art with craft and folk art, revealing a beautiful mix of meaning and soul. She chooses to work on unprimed canvas, as it is representational of real life–it frays, it wrinkles, it’s imperfect. Emily directly aligns her art with the everyday experience and you can feel the heart behind every paint stroke and thread position.
” In life and in my work, I’m constantly seeking organization, simplicity and order then letting it all go in favor of curiosity and play.”
-Emily Keating Snyder
17. Melissa Koby (MKoby) ‘Sunset’
About the artist:
Melissa Koby is a self taught artist and creative. She says she turns art into her own personal form of therapy. As an art lover since age 4, it wasn’t until 2019 when she hand painted her own wedding menus and cards that she decided to continue her color journey. Her art is highly sought out and she loves creating custom portraits for clients to tell their own love story. She imparts connection and emotion in everything she does. Along with BLM and The Bail Project, she supports these organizations.
“I will forever live creatively and in color.”
-Melissa Koby
18. Uncommon Bliss ‘Summer’
About the artists:
Brittney and Logan, the husband and wife duo behind Uncommon Bliss, create art to beautify your home and are committed to creating quality and unique pieces without the traditionally high fine art price. Each art piece is created by them and they also hand make their frames right in the studio. Brittney thought of the idea for Uncommon Bliss as she was trying to make her own gallery wall and couldn’t find quality prints and frames in her budget. So they sought to make their own!
“Our goal is to set a new standard for purchasing art prints online.”
-Brittney and Logan
19. So Laci Like ‘Unity’
*Fun fact: this was the official artwork for the International Women’s Day SXSW Celebration Summit.
About the artist:
Laci Jordan is an artist and creative director currently living in Los Angeles. Laci likes to use her website ‘So Laci Like’ as an uncensored creative space where she can create and share without editing or filtering herself. ‘So Laci Like’ is an extension of Laci and is filled with soulful designs and commentary. Laci is committed to taking up space that is normally not reserved for Black creatives. She is empowering through artistic expression and visibility and is shouting it from the rooftops.
“I’m making the stuff you don’t see by the person you usually don’t see.”
-Laci Jordan
20. Jonathan Lawes ‘Amber’
About the artist:
Jonathan is an artist that has spent nearly a decade in Berlin, and now resides near London. Along with creating bold abstract art, he designs interiors. Jonathan loves geometry and creates prints that expertly reflect that. He masks off certain areas and reveals flashes of color with others in order to create a deeply layered and well thought out piece. Jonathan likes to give himself room for pieces to come together organically, while also mixing plenty of angles and balance.
Pretty great roundup, eh? I love boldness, I love artists who stand for something, I love people who are brave enough to live out their passion in a world that really needs beauty and love to be shared. I hope you found a new artist (or 2 or 10) to follow and share in this roundup of powerful art prints. Let’s celebrate boldness, power, inclusion, and LOVE.
From now on, I am mindful about who I represent. I believe that representation is important, but in the past, I merely selected what I loved without doing the research and seeing who the work came from, what they stand for, and if I am contributing to a narrative that is not rooted in equality. That is so easy to do, especially on social media.
The algorithms show you what you have liked before, so if your circle is primarily white, you will be shown the accounts of white people. To change this, I want to challenge you to seek out Black, Asian, Hispanic, and other non-white artists, designers, etc and give them follows, likes, comments, shares. Show the algorithm that you care just as much about seeing all accounts, not just what you’ve seen before. Try it; your new feed will be AMAZING.
-Kristen
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