My work is rooted in the traditions of contemporary portraiture and Black aesthetics. I center women as subjects of adornment and protection, amplifying their presence through my art. Drawing inspiration from fashion, photography, and my identity as a Black woman, I create expressive figures using bold colors as a form of self-expression and stylistic exploration. My process begins with researching imagery that reflects Black aesthetics and urban culture. I gather visual references and use Photoshop to create digital collages, combining elements into a composition that informs my paintings. Working soley in oil paint, I layer bold colors and patterns onto the canvas to evoke style, texture, and depth. Adornments such as jewelry, scarves, fashion, and hairstyles are integrated to my work, reflecting the rich visual language of my community. The patterns I incorporate are inspired by scarves and headwraps often found in beauty supply stores. These items carry deep traditions of hair protection and serve as powerful fashion statements within me. Through my paintings, I celebrate creativity, vibrancy, and the enduring cultural significance of these adornments.
My name is Sumayyah Muhammad and i’m an oil-based figurative mixed media artist born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and currently living/working in Atlanta, Georgia. I earned my BFA from College For Creative Studies in Detroit and currently pursuing my MFA from Savannah College of Art and Design. My work merges oil paint with diverse materials such as yarn, clothing, fleece, clay, and bedding. Resulting in a rich, textural compositions that explore identity, culture, and storytelling. I’m dedicated to my artistic evolution through continuous experimentation and engagement with new materials and techniques. I push the boundaries of mixed media figurative art.