As part of our Strokes of Legacy: Honoring Black Artists This Black History Month campaign, we are excited to spotlight talented Black visual artists who are making their mark in the art world. One such artist is Reyna Noriega, whose vibrant work centers on the empowerment and celebration of women of color. In her art, Reyna uses powerful imagery to channel emotions, healing, and joy, creating pieces that uplift and inspire. Her work has resonated with a global audience, gracing covers like The New Yorker and Science Magazine, and reaching a wide variety of industries. In this interview, Reyna opens up about her journey as an artist, the cultural influences that shape her work, and her mission to bring peace and joy through her creative expression.
Fancy: What inspired you to become a visual artist, and what role does your culture play in your art?
Reyna: I was inspired to become a visual artist because it seemed like a way to imagine and shape the world I want to live in. At first, I enjoyed having an additional visual language by which to express myself, I loved the community it created first within my classroom with peers and then with other artists I encountered in the world until finally, I had a community of my own.
Fancy: How would you describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved over time?
Reyna: My art style is characterized by abstract shapes and figures. The colors are vibrant yet bring a balance of joy and peace, a balanced femininity. It brings in themes of culture, both being of Caribbean descent and being raised in Miami, tropical motifs bring a sense of grounding and home for me and are mostly present in my work.
Fancy: Can you walk us through your creative process when creating a piece of art?
Reyna: Typically the process begins with an emotion I want to channel or something I am currently feeling that I would like to capture to harness at a later time when I may not feel so positive. I try to curate my space and surroundings to also being a sense of love, peace, and joy. I am surrounded by my plants, incense and candles and a good calming playlist.
Fancy: What message or feeling do you hope to convey to your audience through your artwork?
Reyna: My work seeks to uplift women and people of color by providing images that invoke hope and joy so that as we navigate life’s hurdles, uncertainties, and injustices, we are reminded of our inherent value and entitlement to peace and liberation. We cannot strive for what we cannot imagine. It is so important for us to have imagery of what is possible, and what we deserve, and not just things that remind us of our setbacks, trauma, and the ways we are not cared for in society.
Fancy: What advice would you give to young Black artists looking to break into the art world?
Reyna: We have so many stories and unique POVs just living inside of us. Rather than looking outside of yourself, it is so important to find alignment within yourself. The purity of intentions and genuine love and passion for what you create is what will resonate most. Sometimes we get caught up worrying about what other people will like and resonate with but alignment will bring so much more success and genuine community over time. I always encourage people to do more inner work rather than outer, and then, of course, discipline and being a practicing artist will ensure that your skills and style improve over time.
Fancy: Where can readers connect with you and where can they purchase your artwork?
Reyna: You can find me on my website and most social channels with my full name reynanoriega.com. On Instagra, I am @reynanoriega_.
