As an art tech, I incorporate compositing, collaging, stenciling, generating, and texturing into my creative process. These methods enable me to utilize multiple painting techniques within a single artwork, something that is difficult to accomplish using traditional art practices.

Inspired by life experiences, I explore the nexus between art, culture, history, and technology. Through the use of novel techniques, I aim to create artworks that elicit both cognitive and sensory responses, expanding the horizons of what can be achieved in the world of art.

My expression of fine art has earned me recognition and distinction. I am proud of my prominent presence within the community, as evidenced by my commission for
LA Metro's "Art on TAP" limited edition transit credit cards. It is particularly noteworthy that my art has been acknowledged by esteemed organizations like the Department of Cultural Affairs, and Spectrum 1 News, as well as commissioned by CSUDH Dymally Institute & CD9 Central Avenue Jazz Festivals, Outward Bound Adventures, and Patagonia. Recently, my artwork was showcased on ABC's Good Morning America, and it also appeared in Braxton Cook's official video for "90s," featuring Masego.

VITAE

PRESS

GALLERY

LP ÆKILI ROSS

he, him, his


I am fluent in the language of art, while technology plays the role of my innate second language.

Art allows me to convey emotions and ideas that words may struggle to express. It is not just a profession but a crucial part of my identity and a way of life, enabling me to connect with others, discover myself, and explore the world. 


Growing up in a world where screens and technology were ubiquitous, I developed an appreciation for the convergence of art and logic. This upbringing taught me to embrace different ways of thinking, welcoming both logic and abstraction.


My travels to diverse places such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zanzibar, Ghana, Mauritius, South Africa, Tanzania, Belgium, Italy, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Singapore have informed my artistic output, marked by a seamless integration of cultural perspectives.

Timeless Heritage

My family's migration from Tennessee to North West Pasadena during the late 1800s has profoundly impacted my connection to Southern California. As I've explored my family's heritage, I've discovered inspiring stories of their contributions to the rich cultural history of South Los Angeles, particularly in the realms of music, art, and activism. Notably, my great-great-uncle Clarence Wesley Prince was a prominent Nat King Cole Trio member and collaborated with jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. My art aims to honor and celebrate the past while envisioning new possibilities for the future. By challenging systemic inequalities and contributing to these regions' ongoing cultural and social evolution, I hope to build a creative legacy that reflects the complexities and richness of Southern California's histories and people.

As an Angeleno, I am deeply concerned about the destruction of the cultures of communities across Southern Los Angeles due to neighborhood development and gentrification. I believe that public art is a powerful tool that can push back against gentrification by highlighting South LA's traditional cultural aesthetics. Through the promotion of local arts, culture, and community engagement, we can reclaim South LA's community culture for its original residents. Public art is a powerful representation of the current life of communities, with positive health and emotional effects on neighborhoods. I also believe that public art can be an educational tool for community youth, encouraging creative learning and cultural awareness. In my view, public art carries messages that visitors and residents can learn from for years to come, beyond simply beautifying neighborhoods.

Artist Statement


My creative expression is driven by a deep desire to explore the complexities of the world around me, seeking out the subtle beauty and wonder that exists in the ordinary and mundane. Through my art, I aim to uncover hidden realities and expose the inherent divinity that exists within all people and scenes, revealing their unique character and depth.

Whether through my use of color, texture, style or form, I strive to capture the essence of reality, bringing it to life in new and unexpected ways. By drawing attention to the beauty that is often overlooked or dismissed, I hope to inspire viewers to see the world with fresh eyes and recognize the divine in all things.

The exchange of ideas through art is a transformative process. As an artist, I see art as a bridge of expression that allows me to communicate with others in a multi-way street. This communication exchange is essential because it means making the most of those moments when I have someone else's attention.


The intention behind my paintings of womn is to recognize and celebrate their inherent divinity, which is often undervalued in a society that is dominated by patriarchal norms and standards. Womn have a kaleidoscopic quality about them, with subtle and complex layers to their identities that are often overlooked or ignored. I believe that womn face unique challenges and struggles in the world, which gives them a distinct perspective that is worth exploring. I hope that womn find a sense of haven in my work where they are appreciated and reflected for their resilience, complexity, and sacredness.


I am fascinated by Afro-futurism, which examines how ΔLKEBU'LAN culture, history, and technology intersect and inspire future visions. Through my creative expression, I strive to envision potential futures that are grounded in the experiences of people of African descent. I often draw inspiration from science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism to craft stories that reimagine and reclaim the past, present, and future of Earth-ian people. My approach embraces technology as a tool for liberation and empowerment, utilizing both speculative technologies and elements of traditional ΔLKEBU'LAN spirituality and mythology to create entirely new realms of possibilities that are unconstrained by the present limitations.

"All art is born from people creating from their context"

I am investigating the widely held belief that traditional art tools are superior to non-traditional ones. Many believe that the 'fine' arts are more esteemed than other creative expressions and that mechanical modalities diminish the human essence of the artistic process. I've honed my techniques by successfully emulating traditional painting styles digitally. The prevalent bias against using machines to create art has inspired me to challenge this perspective.

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