✿ About Me ✿
In my artistic journey, I evolve my passion for creating meaningful paintings that embody the essence of being a Black femme woman. Inspired by classical masterworks, I aim to transcend boundaries by translating vibrant stories of my community onto canvas, challenging conventional narratives and reshaping perceptions. Prioritizing the voices of Black individuals, particularly Black women, I portray moments of introspection, joy, vulnerability, and strength.
My work celebrates life's intricate details, using self-portraiture to establish authenticity. Each brushstroke merges reality and imagination, reflecting my soul. Despite drawing from my life experiences, I yearn for diverse adventures, cultures, and perspectives to enrich my art. My journey is a quest for growth and evolution, committed to creating art that resonates, challenges, and uplifts. Through ongoing self-discovery, exploration, and immersion in the world, I'm confident that my art will mirror life's intricate tapestry, inspiring limitless art that moves hearts and minds.
Akira Gordon
akiragordon@yahoo.com | https://akgordon4.wixsite.com/studio
A dependable and hardworking individual who excels in problem solving and is characterized by their focus, innovation, and consistency. They bring a positive attitude and high energy to teams through teamwork, communication, and well-planned action. With a visual learning style, they excel in using artistic methods, particularly graphic design, to effectively communicate stories and increase efficiency and impact. They are driven by an entrepreneurial and inquisitive spirit.
Education
2023 The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
B.F.A. Fine Arts, Painting (with honors)
2019 High School Diploma, Upper Darby High School, Upper Darby PA
Group Exhibitions
2022
SICK!, Anderson Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Junior Art Exhibition, Anderson Hall, Philadelphia, PA
2023
Sizzle Senior Thesis, Icebox Project Space, Philadelphia, PA
Black Joy Uninterrupted, Penn’s Hall of Flags, Philadelphia, PA
Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show, Philadelphia, PA
“Under $100, Under $1000”, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Philadelphia, PA
2024
The Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists-Annual Exhibition, Ubuntu Fine Art, Philadelphia, PA
The Magic Number, Paradigm Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Publications
2023
Zindzine, For the Love, Vol. 1, 2023
Network Exchange Magazine
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Awards/Grants/Residencies
2019 Distinguished Scholar/Artist Award, University of the Arts
2023
DEIA Thesis Fellow Honorable Mention Issued by UArts Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
Merit Prize Award, Art Show International Gallery
Mural Arts Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists
2024 Da Vinci Art Alliance, Resident
Internships
2022 Center for Emerging Visual Artists, Philadelphia, PA
2023 Fabric Workshop and Museum, Philadelphia, PA Youth Engagement Intern
Skills
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Adobe Photoshop, Working knowledge in Adobe Illustrator, Working knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Excel, Customer engagement, Team leadership, Active listener and learner, Collaboration Talent, Communication, Attentive, Hardworking, Dedicated, Problem Solving Skills, Professionalism, Organization, Diligence, Preparation, Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, Water Color, and Drawing, Sewing, Screenprinting