Kanvas x Vogue — Echoes & Futures

Meet the Artists

Distinktive Art

(Valentine "Kels" Ndubuike)

Textile · Mixed-media

Self-taught since age five, Valentine "Kels" Ndubuike creates textile-based work depicting African art and Black culture. His pieces have been featured in numerous art shows and commissioned by figures like Damar Hamlin and Chris Brown.

KengArt

(Scott Achankeng)

Mural · Portrait · Abstract

Cameroon-born artist Scott Achankeng (A.S. Kengart) is a formally trained visual artist specializing in surreal murals, portraiture, and abstract art. His work, which explores human experiences, has been exhibited internationally.

Douglas "Nato" James Jr.

(Nato James)

Photography · Videography · Digital Media

Nato James is a Houston-based multimedia creative specializing in photography, videography, and design. His work merges artistry with community impact, creating content for media and educational organizations. His portfolio has been recognized by the Houston Chronicle as one of "6 Black Artists You Need to Know."

Kanika Blair

Digital · 3D · Animation · Afrofuturism

Kanika Blair is a Houston-based digital artist, 3D animator, and surrealist. Her ethereal work explores Afrofuturism, spirituality, and ancestral wisdom. Her pieces act as dreamlike portals, celebrating the resilience of the Black diaspora.

Jesse Brown

(YISHAII)

Visual Storytelling · Installation

Jesse Brown (YISHAII) is a Portland-based visual artist known for his bold, imaginative storytelling. His work blends history and visionary concepts to spark dialogue. He has been featured in a solo exhibition at the Thompson Houston Hotel and in national showcases like the National Black Boy Art Show.

Chris Robinson

Illustration · Graphic Design

Chris Robinson is a Houston-based illustrator and graphic designer whose work celebrates Black culture and family. A 2021 Adobe Artist Development Fund recipient, his playful style has led to collaborations with brands like Adobe, BET, and the BeyGOOD Foundation.

Kamal Okusanya

(The HumanLego)

Modular Sculpture · Writing · Systems

Nigerian-born artist Kamal Okusanya (The HumanLego) is a writer, poet, and maker. His work spans modular sculpture, digital surrealism, and writing, exploring identity and healing at the intersection of faith, philosophy, and technology.

Gabriel Nambila

Architectural Designer

Gabriel Nambila is an architectural designer exploring the intersection of physical space and digital interaction. His practice uses technology to create immersive spatial narratives, blending architectural principles with emerging media.