Tasanee Durrett

I’m a multidisciplinary artist based in Orlando Florida. I obtained a degree in architecture at the University of Arizona in 2017. During my studies in architecture, I translated my own art journey into visual storytelling about Black and Brown communities that make up the vibrancy of spaces that we live in. While my journey started in architecture, it was painting that helped me find solace and healing after escaping an abusive relationship. Painting became my outlet for releasing emotions and regaining strength. Today, my art narrates tales of happiness, positivity, and abundance, aiming to assist others in their healing journeys.

My work can be described as a mix between abstraction, pointillism, and continuous contour line art. I take an intricate yet fantastical approach to my work by focusing on the details. My works are mainly figurative with a focus on portraiture. The inspiration behind my work stems from my personal experience for liberation and connection to my inner self and ancestral roots. Emotional and spiritual healing is a common theme throughout my work as I explore how Black and Brown people occupy space in a time that is yearning for liberation and healing. I capture these moments with a unique and experimental use of colors and texture, which creates a sense of calmness out of a very deep and complex topic. I exaggerate the figures as it symbolizes a way of confronting oneself. You’ll also notice slight displacement in a beautiful way stemming from my focus of celebrating the abundance of the Black and Brown community.

Artist Statement

My work shines a light on the often-neglected realm of psychological and spiritual healing within the Black and Brown context. I believe in the power of art to empower and mend, so each piece I create is a step towards fostering joy and honoring the abundance of the Black and Brown tapestry.

I employ continuous contour line painting and wire sculpture to explore the depths of healing, isolation, and emotional transformation within Black diasporic communities. Through vibrant colors, ancestral marks, and the beauty of flora, I merge my Afro-Indigenous roots with the shared experiences of my community.

My artistic journey began as a quest for personal freedom. It became about breaking the chains that held me back from embracing my true self. Liberation, for me, means being unapologetically authentic. Painting became my therapy, a way to disconnect from the noise around and just be.

As I paint, I find solace in reflection, imagination, and a spiritual guidance that transcends the canvas. This process brings me closer to myself, an intimate communion that counters the emotional and spiritual disconnection so prevalent today. In a world where we often lose touch with our inner selves, my art invites you to join me in this journey of self-discovery, healing, and celebrating the beauty of the Black and Brown spirit.