Who am I…

Shalaia Washington (b. 2006) is a talented and passionate visual artist based in Virginia, currently pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Arts at Virginia State University as a dedicated Freshman, Class of 2029. Her creative practices deeply engage with intriguing and thought-provoking themes such as surrealism, literature, the passage of time, and the very essence and intricacies of life itself. Shalaia’s diverse and evolving body of work encompasses expressive paintings, intricate and detailed illustrations, as well as innovative and original apparel designs that reflect her unique vision.

Originally aspiring to build a career as an animator, she discovered powerful and meaningful ways to share her unique conceptual stories by capturing evocative moments inspired by cult classic literature in vivid images frozen beautifully in time. She draws continuous and abundant inspiration from famous literary works, rich folklore, and the enduring spirit of resistance, skillfully weaving these varied influences throughout her artistic creations to create compelling and memorable pieces.

Beyond this, Shalaia is ready to challenge the social norms of time and perspective within her pieces, pushing boundaries to invite viewers to reconsider traditional perceptions and embrace a more fluid understanding of narrative and existence.