POST 10- Artist Statement + Bio- Ai’jhana Cutler

Artist Bio

Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey Ai’jhana Cutler is a visual artist who’s currently attending NJCU pursuing a BFA with a concentration in painting/drawing. Growing up with a creative African American family, she was introduced to all different art forms and was encouraged to pursue her passion in art. She’s inspired by the act of preservation through forms of portraiture. She hopes to be inspiration for younger generations in the spaces she creates through visibility and celebration of all aspects.

Artist Statement

My work is heavily influenced on the basis of connection between all the things around me and the relationships I continue to nurture. With oil paint, charcoal, chalk pastels, and occasional ceramic I bring narratives to life—using those mediums to contort the traditional frame of portraiture. I incorporate stark contrast in value and composition, combined with deep saturated colors to emphasize my message. Iconography is a common element in my art as it ties to the conceptual approach with my anatomical figure art.

            With that, I can explore my intersectional experience between race, gender, queerness in relation to each other and the social/political climate. The black figure is a common occurrence in my work as well, challenging the idea of who and what determines the standard of representation while reclaiming and making my own space. My work is a bridge between the audience and me as an artist. Being able to see through my lens while also incorporating their own input and perspective