Bio
Kenia Akridge (b. Englewood, NJ) creates new work based on concepts of race, gender, and mental health. She earned her BFA from Montclair State University. She frequently collaborates with other artists and displays her work. Kenia had recently collaborated in an international exhibition with artists from Scotland called the Dundee Exhibition (2023) in Studio Montclair.
How can we express our thoughts through art? What is the art trying to communicate to the viewer? These are the thoughts that run through Kenia Akridge’s head when creating her work.
Kenia Akridge is a painter that likes to tell a story. Akridge creates work that tells past events related to her life. Whether it’s about past trauma or current thoughts, her work is a reflection of how she feels. Using inspiration from the artists like Christen Austen, Kevin ‘Wak’ Williams, and Nikkolas Smith, Akridge prefers to use the human form in her work. Akridge makes figurative paintings and drawings that use symbols and metaphors for visual interest and clever messaging to the viewer. Dark, complimentary color schemes are used to push narrative and visual contrast. The artist wants to add whimsical elements to uncomfortable concepts such as emotional distress, racism, and burnout by experimenting with vibrant colors.
Akridge believes that visual art is a universal language that can create a dialogue on taboo topics. The artworld has its fair share of art depicting concepts of mental health in the modern world, however, Akridge wants to include a different perspective that includes black and brown people into the conversation.