The Future of Black Art & the Artists Who Are Leading the Way
What does it take to create drawings, paintings, and works of art so emotionally evocative that they are impossible to ignore?
So powerful that they can upend the way a person thinks?
So expressive that you are overwhelmed with empathy?
So inspirational that you feel a glimmer of hope, even on the darkest days?
Or finally understand a concept that is impossible to articulate?
Meet four of BIG’s top emerging artists who are leading the way in creating impossible-to-ignore art that honors Black history, celebrates Black achievement, and embodies Black culture.
Because art is so much more than a decoration.
It’s one of the most powerful forms of self expression.
Art is a way to process your experience and cope with struggles.
Art opens the door for empathy and understanding.
Because regardless of your experience, education, knowledge, or background, art exposes the rawest parts of us.
And art has the power to bring us together, as one.
The Future of Black Art & The Artists Leading The Way
Nurwahol
Nuwarhol is a multidisciplinary creative director, designer, and artist living in New York. Nu creates art that embodies the power and pride of Black culture and achievement.
His unique style combines pop art and graffiti to tell a symbolic story. Nuwarhol’s designs are dynamic and powerful.
Nu’s goals with his art are to…
- Continuously create so that he can express himself.
- Create relatable pieces that make people feel valuable and important so they can confidently express themselves when decorating their own space.
Drawing on his everyday experiences, Nu channels his hopes, wishes, and dreams as inspiration when creating.
Nuwarhol’s signature colors are bold and bright. They stand out in a world that often feels dull, waking you up and capturing your attention.
As you look closer, you realize it’s not just the electric color that makes the pieces feel alive – it’s the intricate detail.
Nuwarhol’s attention to detail and incredible storytelling ability allows him to create impossible-to-ignore pop art that is deeply symbolic.
With skilled brushstrokes, his art tells an emotionally evocative story. His pieces inspire hope, motivate, and energize.
Roll Up and Paint
Kirsten Campbell is a self-taught emerging artist who uses technology to create mind-blowing digital art with subject matters that mix Black culture and the cannabis community.
Since Kirsten started her Instagram account – RollUpandPaint – back in 2017 she has created hundreds of digital masterpieces. She started her own online shop where she sells her art on home décor and apparel. She has even sold original works as NFTs.
Kirsten’s digital art style is truly remarkable. Her pieces speak directly to the Black and stoner community who have felt isolated and excluded by traditional art.
Because her art isn’t just a beautiful painting to decorate your wall…
Her art is a provocative expression of what it means to be a POC who is fully immersed in cannabis culture.
Kirsten has a pulse on what’s relevant to the Black community and cannabis culture. This allows her to create stunning, meaningful art that is deeply impactful.
Plus…she is on the cutting edge of digital art. She is paving the way for aspiring Black female artists so they receive the notoriety and support they deserve.
Kelley Jackson
Kelley Jackson is an artist who creates pop art posters of renowned Black artists and sports icons. His posters feature power words like “prolific” and “hussle” to hype you up and keep you inspired.
Kelley’s style is a fresh take on the classic posters you might have hung in your childhood bedroom.
He draws portraits of famous Black icons like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Nipsey Hussle in a modern cartoon style.
Then he writes a descriptive word below their image – a nod to the success of the subject that doubles as motivation.
These posters embody the strength, passion, and hustle of successful Black men. They are the perfect inspirational wall art for a man cave or office space.
Quincy Ray
Quincy Ray is an illustrator from Columbus, Ohio who currently lives and creates in Los Angeles, California. Quincy creates simple yet powerful portraits of popular Black icons in an eye-catching style, unlike any other.
Growing up, Quincy’s family was big into Gospel music. As a result, he has a deep love for funk soul and R&B, which heavily influences his work.
Quincy’s artistic style is minimalist, yet dynamic.
Simple shapes, crisp colors, and bold brushstrokes come together in minimalist portraits of prominent Black icons, celebrities, and musicians.
Geometric shapes artfully drawn over the subject’s portrait portray intense emotion.
His artwork captures the essence of the subject in a way that feels triumphant and celebratory.
Which is insanely difficult, especially in a minimalist style. But Quincy makes this feat look effortless.
Motivated by design and creativity, Quincy works as an illustrator for many large brands.
He creates imagery of iconic 80s, 90s, and current Hip Hop and R&B stars that is sold on apparel and accessories.
Notably, Quincy is working on a project with the Walt Disney Company to incorporate his unique style into an upcoming group of Disney characters.
Quincy’s dedication to presenting Black culture with a twist on classic Americana style is creating more equal representation in mainstream illustration and animation.
