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top forty
The artists of now, inspiring the art world of tomorrow.
“Top 40: Artists to Watch” is a list recognizing talented up and coming artists who are making an impact in art and culture through their work.
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top 5: 2024
ART BY AYALA
Vibrantly Empowering Women
Ayala explores inclusive beauty through vibrant portraits to empower women, drawing inspiration from a combination of her Native ancestry and representation.
Photo credit: byayala.com
Yuzly Mathurin
The Afro-Pop Artist
Yuzly captures the often-conflicting expanse of human emotions, including shared
experiences of pain and love, through oil paintings on canvas, street art, and
film photography.
Bitter Darlings
Never Broken heARTed
"I call my paintings "Bitter Darlings ®," because they radiate whimsical, messy versions of perfectly imperfect beauty and capture how dynamic we are in a way that oftentimes cannot be adequately described with words."
Junior Charles
Floral Pop
Junior Charles is an Haitian American NYC based pop artist who brings color to his hometown of Brooklyn by exploring bold colors in botanical imagery. He aims to spread beauty and color in gray areas and bring life to urban and industrial areas.
Ashley miah aka
Lee Lee La cubana
The Art Empress
Ashley Miah, known as Lee Lee La Cubana, is an NYC based pop-artist who creates nostalgic works that are reflective of her cultures, community, and upbringing in urban New York. Serving as a reminder of internal riches, Ashley's art signature is the diamond and aims to spread reminders of internal wealth with her current collection.
top 40: 2024
erick mota
THE Artist to Watch
Erick Mota is a visionary artist whose approach to the canvas is fueled by a profound philosophical and introspective understanding of the human experience. Erick fearlessly explores the complexities of the world around him, transcending the boundaries of visual expression to create pieces that serve as powerful testaments to his unrelenting quest for knowledge and self-discovery.
Photo credit: @erickmotaart
benny cruz
Your Local Benny
Benny is a Interdisciplinary Artist. Benny’s inspiration flows from his Chilean roots, emotions, childhood memories as well as the hip-hop scene which has influenced his artistry since young age. Coffee and his love for New York are also part of his main inspirations. One of the concepts he works with is the text based installations. He takes to the streets and lets his intuition guide him to the right places.
He then utilizes different mediums on walls.
Photo credit: @jensismyname
troy jones
Unmasking Roots
Contemporary artist Troy Jones, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art from New Jersey City University, exhibiting his oil paintings extensively since 2015, including a 2020 solo show at Black Wall Street Gallery in New York City; mentored by world-renowned artist Ben Jones for over 30 years, his latest series, "Mask," explores the human experience of self-preservation through contemporary African-American figures adorned with diverse African masks.
Photo credit: @troyjonesartist
AJ Lavilla
Dreaming BIG
AJ Lavilla is a NYC based graffiti-pop artist that inspires viewers to not only dream big, but pursue their dreams with hustle and motivation. An advocate for the arts, AJ also has a non-profit in the Philippines dedicated to providing children with art workshops.
Photo credit: @ajlavilla
Riiisa boogie
Harmonious Hue
Risa Tochigi, aka Riiisa Boogie, is one half of the dynamic duo boogieREZ. Boogie is a Japanese American artist who crafts detailed imagery through textiles, nature, portraits, flowing abstractions and uniquely creative characters. Her body of work taps into the flow of the streets, nature and the vibrations of dance and culture.
Photo credit: @riiisaboogie
elisa valenti
Bodily Embrace
Elisa Valenti is a Queens-based self-taught painter who celebrates the beauty of diverse bodies in her Fauvist-inspired works, providing representation for underrepresented body types and promoting self-acceptance through vibrant colors and iconic style adaptation, influenced by her mother's career in lingerie design and dressmaking.
Photo credit: @elisavalentistudio
madeline martin aka "femtotale"
Whimsical Femininity
Founded by Madeline Martin, FemTotale, is inspired by movement, femininity, polarities, childlike play, and whimsy, embodying a passion for art and a mission to share the joy and playfulness of creativity with others. At the heart of FemTotale is a love of childlike play. Madeline believes that creativity is a natural form of play, and that art has the power to transport us back to a state of childlike wonder and curiosity. This belief is reflected in the brand's playful and whimsical designs, which are intended to bring joy and happiness to those who experience them.
Photo credit: @femtotale
Quanaisha stafford aka "quatro"
The Mirrored Feminine
Quanaisha Stafford is an artist born and raised in Queens, New York. Quanaisha’s feminine, floral, and inclusive work represents the diversity amongst Black women. Quanaisha’s vision and intention with her painting share much of the same qualities one would find in a mirror: the ability to see oneself. Her work observes people through a lens where their beauty is endless, where their quirks are rosy, and where one can find love and self-confidence.
Photo credit: @quatro_banz
Jappy agoncillo
Transcending Artist
Jappy Agoncillo is an artist born in Manila, Philippines in the mid-90’s. Raised in the arms of television, comic books, and fantasy stories, much of these early encounters with creative pop-culture would go on to largely influence his work today. He has worked with large international companies such as Adidas, Playstation, Marvel, PayPal, Spotify, Ikea, and Adobe . He also often collaborates with local Philippine companies like SM, Ayala, and Filinvest. However, that doesn’t mean he only exclusively works with large companies, Jappy also likes to work with local small businesses - his work can be found in Bars, restaurants, retail shops, and other similar establishments across Manila. Internationally, he has work that can be found on the streets of New York, Los Angeles, and Mumbai, India.
Photo credit: @jappyagoncillo
Julia Ambros
Girl PWR, Law & Acrylic Paints
"Julia Ambros is a self-taught oil and acrylic artist. A first generation American, Julia graduated summa cum laude from New York University in 2017 and received her juris doctorate from Columbia Law School in 2020. She is from Albany, New York and based in New York City. She speaks French, Spanish, and limited Polish, and has been to 26 countries and counting."
Photo credit: jambrosart.com
robyn ivy
Abstract Fruition
Robyn is a Brooklyn-based visual artist who specializes in digital art and abstract painting. Her art is a unique representation of her perspective and her work has been featured in various galleries across the city. She has a passion for creating art that speaks to the soul and touches the heart. With every brushstroke, Robyn has a way of bringing things back to life.
Photo credit: @robyniiivy
ashley joan
Visual Conception
Ashley Schriefer was born in Long Island New York. She graduated with a Bachelors of Art in Art Education from Flagler College in 2010. Currently, she teaching art at Roosevelt Middle School and is has recently graduated from LIU University with her Masters in Fine Art in 2016. Her most recent group show is with Art Curator Magazine titled “River of Dreams” and has also recently shown work internationally in Milan Italy with M.A.D.S. Art Gallery. Her work has also been shown in venues across Long Island including Steinberg Museum at LIU University, SIA Art Gallery, RIPE Art Gallery, Urban Outfitters, Allergeria Hotel and also Unsound Surf shop. Schriefer’s work can be seen in various publications including Witchita State’s collegiate journal “MOJO”.
Photo credit: @ashleyjoan_art
amy allure
The ARTrepreneur
Amy Simon (also known as Amy Allure) is a self-taught artist born in Brooklyn, NY, raised in Jamaica, Queens with ancestry from Dominica, West Indies. She's an educator, painter, motivational speaker, event host, curator, activist, and owner of ALLURE ART STUDIO in Queens. Amy began painting at 11 years old and continued painting as a hobby but never imagined what life would look like being an artist as a career so she pursued a career in education. Amy taught 1st & 2nd grade for 9 years but was always drawn to art and would paint during her free time as a teacher.
Photo credit: @amyallure
Deco Popz
Lover Boy
Zee aka Deco Pops is a Decorative Pop Artist. Growing up in 1980s Brooklyn, New York, Zee was immersed in a vibrant artistic environment where Graffiti and Pop Art adorned the streets. Surrounded by the influences of his parents' Disco era and his grandparents' love for Salsa and Classic Cuban music, his artistic inspiration ranged from Andy Warhol and Keith Haring to Matisse, Picasso, and the dynamic NYC Graffiti scene. Early exposure to the diversity of New York City fueled his passion, leading him to start his art collection with pieces by Peter Max. By his mid-teens, he delved into painting and Graffiti, selling art in the East and West Village streets, eventually evolving into an art dealer in the heart of NYC.
Photo credit: @decopopz
Courtney minor
The Experience
Courtney Minor is an expert in user experience & user centered design research, traditional consumer insights, generative product design & innovation research, advertising + creative strategic planning, arts & design research consulting as well as deep expertise in the Arts (collage, street art & design).
Photo credit: @heyitscourtneyminor
Bleu pablo
Artist Advocate
Bleu Pablo is a Bronx-native visual artist, editor-in-chief of Bleucalf, and co-owner of Scott Bleu Studios. His work is known for its vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and exploration of the concepts of chaos and balance. Pablo is passionate about using his art to make a positive impact on the world, and he is dedicated to supporting emerging artists.
Photo credit: @bleupablo
MC Hewlett
The Kindness Consultant
MC Hewlett is an artist, trans-activist, and kindness consultant based in NYC. They create vibrant abstract-pop pieces that are representative of themself and their community, bringing joy, kindness and freedom to the viewer. MC is frequently showcased throughout NYC, Connecticut, Atlanta, Miami and D.C.
Photo credit: @mchewlettnyc
the velvet bandit
Street Art Connoisseur
The Velvet Bandit, a lifelong artist who explored various mediums, found solace in acrylic painting for over a decade. Unemployed due to COVID-19, this single mom embraced street art, hand-painting unique pieces scattered across Sonoma County, California, and reaching as far as Washington, Laguna Beach, Texas, and New York, with the dream of having her art in every major US city.
Photo credit: @thevelvetbandit
Dominique cunningham aka "indigleaux"
Artistically Assertive
Dominique Cunningham of Indigleaux is a multidisciplinary artist, storyteller, and activist whose sole mission is to galvanize humanity with an in-depth look at juxtaposing perspectives. Influenced and inspired heavily by her experience as being a young black woman in America, there is a sense of apparent social commentary, discourse, and criticism that pervades in the overall curation and delivery of her craft.
Photo credit: @indigleaux
Donutsandhenny
The Earning Artist
Donuts and Henny is an NYC-based artist who creates contemporary works with reference to his culture, experience and drive to earn his way.
Photo credit: @donutsandhenny
Jency Sekaran
Art + Science
Jency Sekaran an Indian-American artist and epidemiologist based in NYC. The figures in her work, always different shades of brown, break the standards of Indian culture through Westernized poses, hair length and color, clothing and tattoos. Patterns and designs become anchors in her work, seen as organic chemistry and henna designs which have no beginning or end symbolizing the unity of two identities.
Photo credit: @art_by_jency_15il
dessy hinds
The Lyricist
Samantha Vega is an up and coming singer, songwriter, and actress based in Poughkeepsie, New York, with performances in NYC. Specializing in R&B, Samantha's angelic vocals have a way of capturing her audience's soul and pulling them into their feels. Don't believe us? Check out her newest single, "Woman Like That", streaming on all platforms.
Indie184
The Truth Behind A Spray Can
Artist Soraya Marquez aka Indie184, (born 1980) is a native New Yorker, from Dominican descent, has been active in the graffiti culture for over 2 decades. Determined to express herself to the world through art, she quit business college to teach herself how to sew, paint and produce graphic design. Also influenced by abstract expressionism and pop art, her paintings are raptures of color and textures. Fused with of her original graffiti and street art, imagery, and designs juxtaposed with personal messages.
Photo credit: @indie184
Sandra Jockus
Illustrator and Animal Lover
Sandra Jockus is a NYC-based illustrator and artist originally from Lithuania. Sandra enjoys observing people & animals on the streets of New York, which is reflected in her colorful and often humor-filled illustrations.
Photo credit: @sandrajockus
Michelle Buser
The Connected Artist
Michelle Buser is an artist from the DMV area, who has relocated to NYC in pursuit of her art career. Since her move, she has showcased throughout the underground NYC art scene making her a well-known and widely acknowledge talent in the creative community. Her work is meaningful and draws you to wonder about the life of the subject and how we are all connected.
Photo credit: @michellextheartist
Love notes
A Love Note To NYC
Love Notes is a New York City based muralist and visual artist, whose alias formed at a young age through her submergence in Bronx graffiti culture. Heavily influenced by the youth and the communities she grew up in, Lovenotes strives to inspire and connect to these communities by creating artworks that are charged with her emotional and spiritual vision of the world; while incorporating symbolism related to the themes of nature, heritage, social justice, and inclusion usually involving feminine figures and fantastical scenery.
Photo credit: @lovenotes
Leia Sands
The Authentic Visionary
Leia Sands, an American Contemporary Artist in all disciplines and styles of art together working deep in the concrete jungle of The Bronx in New York City, NY, USA. Through my artwork, I explore themes of freedom, love, healing, nature, self-actualization & and authenticity.
Photo credit: @leia_sands
meesha goldberg
Nature's Artistic Poet
Charlottesville-based artist and poet Meesha Goldberg, known for her realistic oil paintings depicting mystical landscapes that explore humanity's connection and responsibility to the earth, draws inspiration from her experiences in monocultures, on the frontlines, and living off the land
Photo credit: @meeshagoldberg
Amethyst Monet Nutting
The Dreamscape Artist
Amethyst Monet, a self-taught artist based in New York City, combines oil, acrylic, spray paint, and embroidery to create ethereal figures in vibrant abstract landscapes, drawing inspiration from her experience as a flight attendant and influenced by notable artists like Hilma af Klint and Leonora Carrington.
@amethyst.monet
tiffany goode
Trumpetista
Tiffany Goode is a trumpetiste born in Richmond, Virginia and currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. She began her love affair with music and the trumpet at an early age. Her debut album, "Today Was A Goode Day" has been the number one album on Bandcamp in Atlanta for Modern Jazz and placed at #1 on the charts.
Photo credit: @lifesgood
extra ketchup
The Art of Streetwear
Extra Ketchup is a graffiti artist, creator of wearable art and gallery owner in Brooklyn, New York creating work that celebrates and preserves urban and street cultures.
Photo credit: @extraketchup
nico cathcart
Captivated Change
Nico Cathcart is a painter and muralist hailing from Toronto, Ontario, and currently living in Richmond, Virginia. She strives to discuss Intersectional feminism and climate change in her highly-colorful realistic works which often include local flora and fauna, as well as the female form. The artist is in the process of going deaf, relying on hearing aids and lip reading to communicate. She often includes birds in her work as a nod to her disability.
Photo credit: @nicocathcart
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Francis Gautier
Abstract Hip Hop
Francis Gautier is an abstract graffiti artist from Providence, Rhode Island. Now based in NYC, Francis has become well-known throughout the NYC and hip hop scenes through his showings with the 60 collective, the Culture Candy and solo exhibitions including WuTang performances and NBA player appearances.
Photo credit: @francisgautierart
isabella chydenius
Paint The Night Pink
Isabella Chydenius is an interdisciplinary artist based in Berlin and Helsinki. Chydenius explores the night and underground nightclub culture as spaces of togetherness, momentary freedom, and joy, delving into their historical role as sites of resistance and catalysts for societal change, emphasizing the dialogue between art, artists, and socio-political movements within these microcosmic spaces.
Photo credit: @isabellachydenius
Brit dats hip
The Wearable Artist
Brit Dats Hip is an artist from D.C. who creates high vibrational, vibrant works of canvas and wearable art. Brit frequently shows through Philadelphia, NYC, D.C. and now Los Angeles in which she recently premiered her wearable art collection during L.A. Fashion Week.
art history: 2023
