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Artist Biography
Kevin Nance West is an American visual artist based in Indianapolis, Indiana, recognized for his vibrant, emotive portraits that explore Black joy, community, and resilience. Introduced early to fine art during middle school and honing his skills in high school, he briefly pursued basketball on scholarship before a knee injury shifted his focus entirely to art. He later enrolled at Herron School of Art and Design but left to support his family, eventually working as an art instructor at the Boys & Girls Club. Colorful lines, colossal canvases, and deeply emotional subject matter define his signature style. West translates everyday Black experiences into universally resonant narratives—moments of joy, family, and coming-of-age—that challenge perceptions and invite cross-cultural empathy. Kevin West embodies the intersection of artistry, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. His journey—from teenage art prodigy to art mogul—underscores the power of creativity married with innovation. Through bold portraits and public murals, he celebrates Black life, transforms ordinary moments into collective memory, and amplifies underrepresented voices in vibrant, accessible art.
Artist Statement
My art is a reflection of rhythm, soul, and the layered textures of Black life. I draw inspiration from the cultural tapestry of the African diaspora—its music, its movement, its history—and translate that into visual compositions that aim to honor our stories while pushing them forward. I see painting as both an act of resistance and reverence, a way to challenge erasure and celebrate existence.
I work with bold color, expressive brushwork, and symbolism that speaks to legacy, struggle, and triumph. Whether through abstract forms or figurative subjects, my goal is to evoke emotion and create space for healing and empowerment. Much of my work is influenced by jazz, hip-hop, and the spiritual energy of community—each piece like a verse or riff, part of a larger cultural narrative.
As an artist, I am committed to using my practice to reflect truth, challenge perception, and amplify voices that have too often been silenced. Art is my language of liberation, and through it, I aim to remind us of where we’ve been—and where we’re going.
— Kevin West
Artist Exhibitions
Works Available

Sister Cousins, 2025
Oil on Canvas
24 x 24 in

Granddaddy's Porch, 2025
Oil on Canvas
30 x 30 in

Cooking with Grandma 2025
Oil on Canvas
24x 30 in

A Father's Call, 2025
Oil on Canvas
24 x 24 in
OTHER AVAILABLE WORKS

Grandma Taught, 2025
Oil on Canvas
30 x 24 in

Nana Said, Wash Our Hands, 2025
Oil on Canvas
30 x 30 in
Press
IN THE PAINT — Artist Spotlight
Jennia Fredrique Aponte
Jennia Fredrique Aponte, an artist from Gary, Indiana, pays homage to Black dancers and forgotten icons through intricate paper mosaics. Using rare, recycled, and handmade paper collected from her travels, Jennia crafts each piece to honor ancestors and envisions a future of inclusivity and joy.
Events

International Debut
Meet us in Paris. We’re excited to announce that Art Melanated is making its international debut at the 10th anniversary of AKAA (Also Known As Africa) @akaa_fair Art Fair this October in Paris. As the only U.S. gallery selected to exhibit, we’re bringing the brilliance of our community to the global stage—and spotlighting a very special artist. Jennia Fredrique Aponte @jenniafredrique will present her first solo international exhibition, debuting her breathtaking new series: Clockwork Academy: School for Girls. Set in an alternate 1888, this visionary body of work reimagines Black girlhood at the height of the Industrial Revolution—where invention becomes identity, and sisterhood becomes power. 📍 AKAA Art Fair – Carreau du Temple, Paris 🗓 October 24–26, 2025














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