Artist Bio

Nia Samuel is an Afro-Latina surrealist painter known for their mixed media aspects, intense depictions of identity, and trance-like color palette. Born in 2003 and raised in New York, they studied at Adelphi University, where they developed a fascination with art history, human behavior, and mythology. Growing up they dealt with traumatic events, but each experience was transmuted into the curious nature of exploration of self; healing all factors of identity. Their works, often filled with repetitive symbolism, extraterrestrial-looking figures, prints, and found objects, were influenced by other surrealist Latinx/Caribbean artists. Samuel rejects traditional painting and embraces the process of spiritually channeling artwork. This allows them to embrace all aspects of female identity while reflecting on their connection to nature. 

Throughout their career, Samuel strongly connected with POC communities, the metaphysical, and the art world. They successfully displayed artwork in New York galleries, volunteered, created public murals in both Long Island and Manhattan, instructed adult painting classes in New Jersey and Queens, and offered professional spiritual consultation. Samuel also grew up participating in alumni, leadership, and activism programs such as People to People, the Pretty in Pink internship, Top Teens Of America, Artivism, LSA, and NYC Haitian activist groups. Their art was not just a means of expression, but a way to fill a hole of yearning for connection with community and understanding of oneself. Their art is less of a job and more of a direct reflection of ancestral channeling straight to their heart and hands. Samuel continues to study studio art and art history, to then become a painting conservator and professional mixed media artist.