Kenia LaMarr

Kenia LaMarr is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Arts Policy and Administration at The Ohio State University, building upon her Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs with a specialization in Public Leadership, Management, and Policy. With a background that includes a congressional internship and engagement in political activism, Kenia also contributes significantly to her local community as an artist. As a committed community art activist, Kenia focuses her efforts on leveraging creative expression for community healing. Her contributions span various initiatives, including serving as an artist in residence at the Grange Audubon Insurance Center and Sanctuary Night, a shelter supporting women at risk of sex exploitation. Notably, within the neighborhood of Linden, Kenia spearheaded The Coloring Linden Project, aimed at fostering creativity, enhancing community aesthetics, and uplifting her community through art. Beyond her tangible contributions, Kenia advocates for the integration of creative spaces and arts into urban infrastructure, particularly within underserved communities, advocating for their recognition and support in city planning efforts.

Being surrounded by family members who are artists in their own right, I found my love for creating art at a young age. I sketched clothes and portraits of women I found ideal as a child. My formal training at a performing arts school in my hometown of Dayton, OH, influenced me to create healing, process art through portraiture present day. I am often fascinated by the brush strokes of different colors and sizes that compose each portrait I paint, emphasizing the goal to reflect individuality and not necessarily the groups they identify with. ?My portraits are vibrant and colorful, rarely using the traditional ideas of skin color; to explore the beliefs of identity and normative views to convey the concept of self while contradicting conventional notions of race. I have learned how colors are associated with healing properties in Psychology, Art therapy, Reiki and chakra practices, and the religion of Yoruba in my travels and spiritual journey. I hope to reflect that fine arts does not have to be perfect. It can demonstrate the nuances of our human lives through different layers of paint; some parts naturally harmonize while other brushstrokes stubbornly lay very distinct.?The creation process of my art is healing for me. I hope it is for the viewers; even if that feeling is momentary. As a black portraitist, I desire to create dialogue around the layers of humanity and strive to gain a more profound perception of humankind.

OHIO

United States