One of the most rewarding parts of being an interior designer is scouting for artwork. We usually tackle this near the end of a project, but occasionally we’ll work the entire design around a particularly standout piece of work, allowing it to shine in the spotlight. More often these “finishing pieces” serve as jewelry. They can tell a story, tie the larger elements of a space together, and complete the overall look. Our advice is to look for art that resonates with you. Typically we collaborate with local galleries, but this can be limiting because there is a historical lack of diversity represented here. Instagram is an excellent resource to connect with artists directly, particularly for commissioned pieces. Following the “Black Art Matters” and “Support Black Artists” hashtags has led us to some remarkable artists of color. Whether we’re enjoying their work in a local museum or our own homes, as designers, we recognize our role in introducing clients to a world beyond their own and supporting artist of all backgrounds.
Bisa Butler uses quilting to create vibrant images. Her work portrays storytelling through the experiences of African Americans, often through portraits. Butler’s artist statement explains that the art of quilting is a piece of her heritage, a necessity in that “enslaved people were not given large pieces of fabric and has to make do with the scrapes of cloth that were left after clothing wore out.” Now she can reclaim the technique and use it as artistry that is also educational. Her work “Safety Patrol” was recently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Bisa Butler “Safety Patrol”. Image Source: Art Institute of Chicago
Bisa Bulter “Wangari Maathai.” Image Source: Claire Oliver Gallery
Nick Cave blends together a spectacular array of materials that become wearable sculptures. Covered head-to-toe, the wearer’s body is completely enveloped. The Soundsuits, though visually whimsical, are born from a “dark place”: the need to protect one’s self. They hide all identifiable traits that can be judged, like race and gender. Cave’s artwork comes to life in his performance exhibitions, where movement is choreographed with music and the suites themselves rustle, jingle, and sway. One of his one-of-a-kind pieces can be seen locally at the Chicago St. Jane Hotel. The “Hustle Coat” is a nod to the entrepreneurial street salesmen that sell replica luxury jewelry. The black trench coat in lined with gold and silver chains, faux diamond encrusted watches, and gem embellishments.
Nick Cave “Hustle Coat.” Image Source: St. Jane Hotel
Nick Cave “Soundsuits” Denver Art Museum 2013. Image Source: Public Delivery.org
Nick Cave “Soundsuits” Denver Art Museum 2013. Image Source: Public Delivery.org
The artwork of Kehinde Wiley is a juxtaposition of the hip-hop movement and Old Masters paintings. This blend stems from his childhood growing up in South Central LA during the 1980s. To escape the neighborhood turmoil, Wiley spent his weekends attending art classes where he learned the techniques of still life and self- portraiture. As his education in art and world events grew, his topics began to address modern issues like politics, sexuality, and race. In 2017, Wiley was commissioned to paint the Presidential Portrait of Barack Obama. The work stands out among its fellow residents in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Wiley uses a botanical background, thick with greenery and punctuated with flowers that symbolize different regions of the world. The subject is seated in the foliage, and the expression captures the thoughtful charisma that Obama is known for. Throughout Wiley’s portfolio, there is a noticeable trend for highly stylized wallpaper-like backdrops with highly realistic, yet vibrant, figures that recall the Renaissance era.
Kehinde Wiley “President Barack Obama.” Image Source: National Portrait Gallery
Kehinde Wiley “The Two Sisters.” Image Source: NPR.org
Elan Byrd first studied fashion design and textiles at esteemed universities in New York and London before transitioning her focus to sustainable home decor. The fashion industry has been identified as a leading contributor to consumer waste, with cheaply made garments heading quickly to landfills. Byrd uses her love of textiles to weave renewable fibers by hand. The mediums include vintage grass cloth from the 1980s, linen, and raffia. Her creations are a practice of meditation, a tangible and decorative connection to nature. Byrd describes her work as bringing “a sense of calm and serenity.” We love the range of textures and earthy, neutral tones.
Elan Byrd “Growth.” Image Source: Elan Byrd
Elan Byrd “Sacred Journey.” Image Source: Elan Byrd
Elan Byrd “Steps Under The Sun.” Image Source: Elan Byrd
We found the work of Briana Arrington in the Instagram rabbit-hole. Based in Philadelphia, her focus is illustration and graphic design. Arrington’s art is an exploration of identity, creating a broader representation of people seen in America. According to her bio, she hopes “that her work reaches someone who may look like her, see the world like her or has gone through similar experiences.” Our favorite pieces are from her Photo Remix collection, which layers the photography of DVVINCI with her fanciful digital illustrations.
Briana Arrington and DVVINCI “Enfin, Je M’aime.” Image Source: Briana Arrington
Briana Arrington and DVVINCI “Sandbox Ruler.” Image Source: Briana Arrington
