OUR ARTISTS

MCKAYLA CHANDLER

McKayla Chandler (b. 1996, Gary, Indiana) is an interdisciplinary artist raised in Minneapolis, MN living and working in Los Angeles, CA. Deeply inspired by her family's photo album that documented her youth, Chandler builds on this foundation of archival imagery and expanding tradition in her personal work. While creating contemporary and emotive photography, storytelling can be seen as a focal point of her portfolio. Chandler’s work is characterized by intergenerational narratives, identity and self actualization.

  • Mama’s Hands Only

    2023
    30” x 35”
    Giclee Print on Canson Arches 88
    Wooden Silver Frame


WILL WCMTL RAOJENina

Will Raojenina, also known as WCMTL, is a Canadian multidisciplinary visual artist who recently relocated to Los Angeles. Born to immigrant parents from Antananarivo, Madagascar, WCMTL’s artistic journey began in his hometown of Montreal, Canada. WCMTL’s artistic expression encompasses colorful mixed-media compositions, figurative portraits, and abstract art, all intricately layered with heavy textures. By incorporating real physical objects into his work, he infuses emotional resonance into his storytelling process, further deepening its impact. This approach serves as a testament to his profound engagement with global themes such as immigration, language barriers, cultural differences, and oral histories. Each piece is a meticulously crafted dialogue, a visual symphony that delves into deep inner feelings and speaks to the core of human connection.

The artist’s childhood was marked by witnessing his father endure intense discrimination, leading to a challenging battle with mental illness. It resulted in his family’s life taking a drastic turn, plunging them into deep pain and frustration. In a quest for solace and a means to channel his emotions, WCMTL turned to painting and clothing design at the tender age of 15, earning him the moniker WCMTL (Will Couture Montreal). In this creative endeavor, he formed a community of like-minded immigrant children who shared similar life experiences. This diverse collective became a melting pot of perspectives, teaching WCMTL the art of effective visual communication.

These early lessons continue to shape WCMTL’s artistic philosophy—fostering a deep desire to understand others, maintaining relentless perseverance, and nurturing an appreciation for the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. WCMTL’s work has been exhibited across Canada and the United States. His work is held in private collections throughout North America, including Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and many more.

Artist Statement

In my journey as a person of color from Madagascar, my family and I have too often encountered the dismissive words, “You do not belong here.” My vibrant art challenges misconceptions about immigrants and people of color in America. Drawing inspiration from their resilience, love, and beauty, particularly those grappling with discrimination and cultural rejection, I employ a meticulous layering of thick mixed media to create textured paintings. This distinctive process symbolizes the emotions forged in the crucible of injustice, resulting in a beautiful, uneven surface that underscores our capacity to achieve the extraordinary despite trials. By portraying immigrants and people of color as hard-working, joyful, and loving individuals, I aspire to cultivate a profound appreciation for our shared humanity. My art invites viewers to transcend differences, encouraging a collective journey, hoping we come together through love and understanding.

  • MONTREAL

    2024
    30” x 40”
    Acrylic and spray-paint, plastic car with a mix of thick mixed media texture on canvas

  • BELIEVE

    2023
    23.5” circumference
    Acrylic and spray-paint, mix of thick mixed media texture on a basketball

  • Therapy Sessions

    2023
    Acrylic & spray paint, plastic telephone, aluminum bottle, hair comb with a mix of thick media on wood panel


josEPHBRANDON

JosephBrandon is branded as a complex and multifaceted mixed media artist and designer from New Orleans, LA. With a profound commitment to challenging norms and sparking introspection, his visual creations transcend easy categorization, leaving viewers captivated and contemplative.

A true maven of artistic diversity, JosephBrandon navigates through a multitude of mediums, each one serving as a canvas for his thought-provoking messages. From the strokes of his paintbrush to the bold forms of his sculptures, from immersive installations to imaginative toys and collectibles, every piece echoes a shared mission—to protect and nurture the inner child while confronting the psychological aftermath of life under systemic oppression, particularly within the Black community.

His works resonate deeply, urging viewers to reflect on their values and the collective principles that shape our society. As a result, the proximity to his art becomes an invitation to journey into the depths of one’s thoughts, uncovering buried emotions and contemplating the complexities of the human experience. JosephBrandon has a BFA in Toy Design from Otis College of Art & Design; he lives and works in Los Angeles, CA.

ARTIST STATEMENT

JosephBrandon, a dynamic mixed media artist and designer from New Orleans, LA, challenges norms and sparks introspection. His diverse portfolio spans mediums, from paintbrush strokes to immersive installations, each nurturing the inner child and addressing the impact of systemic oppression, especially on the Black community.

Viewers engage with his work, reflecting on societal values and the human experience, delving into introspection. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Toy Design from Otis College of Art & Design, JosephBrandon infuses meaning into his creations, anchored in Los Angeles, CA. As a dedicated artist, he delves into societal introspection, transcending superficiality.

JosephBrandon’s art invites viewers on a journey of self-discovery and understanding, prompting empathy and reflection.

  • BIG FACTS

    2023
    15” x 11” × 9”
    Casted polished bronze, 18K Gold dye

  • Heavy is the Head, “Let’s go Lil Joe”

    2024
    10.75” x 6” x 4”
    3D print, sandstone and acrylic polyurethane enamel


DEVIN WESLEY

Devin Wesley is a Los Angeles-based figurative artist. After a successful twelve-year sports career, he chose to retire and pursue his true passion: art. Devin’s work, created exclusively in black and white, showcases the divine essence of Black people, emphasizing the full spectrum of their emotional and spiritual wisdom-a facet often overlooked in mainstream media. In his portraiture, Devin delves into themes like mental health, self-love, and the journey towards healing from trauma. With the absence of color, he creates a visual framework that exists between light and dark, serving as a metaphor for the duality in life. His overarching goal is to showcase the complexity of the human experience while inspiring viewers to contemplate new perspectives.

  • Brothers In Arms

    2023
    60” x 48"
    Oil and mirror on canvas

  • See For Yourself

    30” x 40”
    Oil Reflective Mirror on Canvas

  • Rest and Reset

    30” x 40”

    Oil Reflective Mirror on Canvas

  • Days of the Future Past

    30” x 40”

    Oil on Canvas

  • It’s Okay to Let Them See You Cry

    24” x 30”
    Oil and Reflective Mirror on Canvas

  • Renaissance

    30” x 40”
    Oil Reflective Mirror on Canvas