I am Kayla Je’wel Lucas, a visual artist from North Carolina. As a teenager, I experienced an awakening to systematic oppression, racism, and Black radicalism that changed my life. There burst my passion and advocacy for the authentic representation of Black American people.
Since 2016, I call on this self-awareness to guide my practice and express my bold, unapologetic ideas and beliefs. My multidisciplinary approach to art, including oil painting, mixed media, and digital art, connects to my admiration for the heterogeneous nature of the Black American identity that inspires my work.
I am grateful to have received the United Arts Council and Charlotte is Creative HUG Grants to support the mission of glorifying my rich heritage. I have also created commissioned work for the Carolina Panthers and the North Carolina Justice Center to further connect with and inspire the community.