Painter, Studio 6
ShAy is a visual artist and poet who stands for justice for all. Her artwork explores black people and the marks they make on the world, how they are respected as people, and the beauty they bring into the world. ShAy has been interested in black art since her journey as an artist began in 2004. She uses her voice, through her paintings for men and women of color in a world that doesn’t share the spectrum of equity or equality across the board.
ShAy’s paintings are very specific to what’s going in the world. She is not interested in just producing a pretty picture, instead wanting to create honest dialogue and emotions. The vulnerability in ShAy’s paintings are always in the eyes; They speak volumes and create uncomfortable emotions. Her process revolves around emotions in the fear of losing another black son in a sometimes unsympathetic world.
ShAy’s work centers on a common theme: black strength and hope. The paintings here represent her ideal of men and women of color fighting for justice, strength, solidarity, and injustice. These images were created while serving her last tour overseas with the United States Army. Her voice while serving is sometimes limited but her paintings give her the freedom to speak her truth. The flow in her content is very upfront and intentional. ShAy chooses to make this type of work because if not her, then who?