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5 Black emerging artists you should be following, according to your major by Boipelo Lecha
Graphic courtesy of Adriana Colón.
As we wrap up Black History Month, it’s worth reflecting on some of the top names in the creative industry in 2024. There’s Quinta Brunson in film, Kehinde Wiley in the painting scene and in the fashion world, British Vogue’s new editor Chioma Nnadi. These well-established Black creatives are undeniably talented trailblazers and deserving of the attention. However, the new wave of emerging Black creatives also demands recognition. As SCAD students and fellow emerging creatives, it’s important to familiarize ourselves with both established trailblazers and new voices shaping the future of our creative landscape. These are the Black emerging artists you should be following, according to your major.
Animation: Malika Mutombo
Malika Mutombo, who goes by @solvrium on Instagram, is a 24-year-old character artist and 3D modeler based in Belgium. She creates distinct characters that range from casual everyday characters like Helen to more intricate moody sci-fi characters.
Illustration: Jade Purple Brown
According to her Instagram, @jadepurplebrown is a “color-obsessed artist living in NYC.” She creates bold, vivid illustrations in a graphic style. She embraces color and organic lines in her art. Although Jade Purple Brown isn’t yet a household name, her distinct style has landed her collaborations with Häagen Dazs, Starbucks, Clinique and recently, Build-A-Bear.
Film and television: Winter Dunn
Winter Dunn (@itswinterdunn) wears many hats in the film industry. She is a director, producer and actress who is passionate about amplifying BIPOC voices through her work. Winter Dunn has experience producing content for Condé Nast and recently won an NAACP Image Award.
Fashion: Iona McCreath
Iona McCreath (@iona_mccreath) is the creative director of KikoRomeo, an artisan focused sustainable fashion brand based in Nairobi, Kenya. All of the brand’s handmade fabrics are sourced from the African continent, then hand-dyed. The trims they use are also hand carved. McCreath has recently been exploring alternative fibers.
Interior Design: Keia McSwain
Keia McSwain (@keiamcswain) is the founder of NeKeia + Co, an interior design firm based in Denver, Colorado. McSwain curates luxury interiors that put the client’s vision first. The brand takes the time to learn about clients’ needs and each project includes “collections of custom, signature pieces that perfectly align with respective spaces.”