Five Female Artists You Should Know
Monica Hernandez
New York, New York
The art of Monica Hernandez is a reflection of her advocacy, depicting femininity, womanhood, and sexuality. Her oil on canvas paintings are mainly women of color lounging in domestic spaces usually nude, a nuanced stab at the white male gaze in art history creating paintings and sculptures of nude women. “I love becoming a part of this history of painting, in my own way,” Hernandez told Cultured Mag in 2019. “I would like my art to be honest, transparent, in whatever it is trying to say or do. I want it to be vulnerable and open.” Hernández takes full agency over her images showing the complexities and dynamic ways women of color exist. (Source: Teen Vogue)
Zandra Jack-Edwards
Toronto, Ontario
When you talk about a show-stopper, Zandra Jack-Edwards (a.k.a @unkwnzj), can’t be left off the list. Her vibrant projects featuring members of the African diaspora are sure to make you do a double-take on your feed. Her images remind us to stay connected to our culture, with the artist captioning one piece “Ubhuti” meaning “brother” in Zulu, the bantu language of South Africa. Outlining the strong features of each of her models, Jack-Edwards reminds us of the beauty of our attributes while highlighting them in her own intriguing way.
Kalin Renée
Charlotte, North Carolina
When taking a glance at art by Kalin Renée you’re sure to feel a mix of empowerment and nostalgia. Her projects range from legendary artists like to Aaliyah to culture icons like Will Smith. “My creative process is driven by my goal to make sure that women who have aspirations of being productive artists know that it’s possible", she told the Village at Commonwealth. You can find Kalin’s work throughout the city of Charlotte as she’s completed many murals and find more of her work at the links below.
Nkosi Ndlovu
Melbourne, Australia
Since beginning her journey with painting Ndlovu, or @gldeng6rl, has explored her talents in the fields of graphic design, photography and finally digital collage. Her unique style of mixed media showcases brown-bodied women in scenes of peace or solitude. “I aim to create little worlds in my art that myself and the viewer can get lost in by playing with scale, shape and texture, providing an escape from reality.” Her images of hollow bodies and serene landscapes as backgrounds surely provide the vacation we need from our feed.
Jewel Ham
Huntersville, North Carolina
With a distinct and captivating style of her own, Jewel Hams rosy toned pieces are sure to catch your eye. Her canvases bare the ever-changing emotions of a wide-ranged collection of black women. Her work aims to undress the emotional realities that often accompany various facets of "everyday" Black life. The Howard alumna has reaped the rewards of creating such real content by garnering 20,000 followers, and counting, on Instagram. Keep up with the artist at the links below.
