15 Talented Black Artists You Should Know About

Because 2020 needs a bit more beauty!

If you didn't already know, this Black History Month, we're reclaiming 2020 – celebrating all the joys and triumphs within our community.

SHAVONE / Via giphy.com

Well, we're not the only ones with that idea – Ogilvy and MediaCom have launched their first virtual exhibition.

Ogilvy / MediaCom

Here are some of the amazing artists featured in the exhibit!

1. Amie Snow

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Amie paints and illustrates gorgeous concepts inspired by her Bajan roots and South East London upbringing, translating both places’ rich spirit and culture.

2. Ayebea Darko

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An avant-garde Creative Director, Ayebea’s aesthetic disrupts traditional understandings of creative expression, and creates new and alternative artistic, visual, and social experiences.

3. Birungi Kawooya

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Birungi’s stunning collages feature strong Black women, dancers, and nature scenes. She hand cuts paper silhouettes and pairs them with vibrant African textiles, embodying the beauty of the African diaspora.

4. Paula Abu

Instagram: @narcography

As you can see from the photos above, Paula’s work is equal parts eye-catching and delicate. Paula – a photographer and director – elegantly documents Black existence in a relaxed and trauma-free way, and it’s very visually pleasing.

5. Gabrielle Oke

Instagram: @gabeepaints

Gabrielle’s a self-taught artist whose pieces show the power, beauty, and diversity within the Black community. You’ll see some familiar faces in her work – Gabrielle has a talent for capturing inspirational icons.

6. Jude Amponsah

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Jude’s a jack of all trades – he’s a graphic designer, photographer, filmmaker and founder of the creative house, Kente Club. His many talents give his work a really unique perspective, with very thought-provoking effects.

7. Kemi Oloyede

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Kemi’s an illustrator and digital artist whose work was born out of boredom during the pandemic. Their vibrant, irresistible pieces aim to uplift people in the queer Black community, and they shine a light on the community in the most stunning of ways.

8. Dillon Everest

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Dillon’s a photographer who is very skilled behind the lens – each of his photos strikingly tells a different story.

9. Kingsley Nebechi

Instagram: @kingsleynebechi

A graphic designer, illustrator, and artist, Kingley's eye-catching work is inspired by his love of comics, film, and African art.

10. Kofi Ntiforo

Instagram: @wisil.mitty

Kofi is a filmmaker and artist who captures the beauty of Black people and the pride of being Black in the most breathtaking of ways.

11. Tidiane Diagana

Instagram: @tidcreative

Tidiane is a digital creative who focuses on motion design, and his pieces are distinct, vibrant, and thought-provoking.

12. Michael Akuagwu

Instagram: @_manlikemike

Michael’s intriguing pieces are visual metaphors that manage to capture the verbally inexpressible. His work explores a huge range of subject matter, from present-day culture, mental health, faith, to the human condition.

13. Kwasi Adom-Frimpong

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Kwasi’s vibrantly coloured pieces are filled with subjects and symbols that show moments in time with messages about the power and beauty of being Black, in a really unique way.

14. Sharon Walters

Instagram: @london_artist1

Sharon’s unique collages celebrate Black women, and her “Seeing Ourselves” series has over 250 impressive pieces – each one just as eye-catching as the others. Her work explores identity, beauty standards, representation, and Afro hair.

15. Naki Narh

Instagram: @nakinarh

Naki’s gorgeous art revolves around a huge range of topics – from explorations of self-identity, social and personal conscience, to social issues affecting developing countries. You might recognise her stunning work as our cover art for this year’s Black History Month.

Check out the full exhibition in all its virtual glory here!