Nothing Is Ever Just Black or White
Devin Wesley (b. 1993) is a Los Angeles-based figurative artist and live painter. After a successful twelve-year track & field 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 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.
Utilizing his artwork to drive social change, Devin has previously partnered with Adobe, YouTube Originals, BET, and Listos California to confront critical topics like racism, mental wellness, and climate change.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
California State University, Fresno - Mass Communications & Advertising, 2015
Solo Exhibitions
Devin Wesley Art: Solo Exhibition presented by Speed Media, Venice, CA 2019
Selected Group Exhibitions
Frieze LA, Gallery 90220, Los Angeles CA, 2024
We Are LA Group Exhibition, The Beehive, Los Angeles, CA 2023
Art Noir Group Exhibition, The Battery SF, San Francisco, CA, 2023
Wearable Art Gala Group Exhibition, Waco Theater, Los Angeles, CA, 2022
Light & Shade Group Exhibition, Las Lagunas Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA, 2022
Made In California Juried Exhibition, Brea Gallery, Brea, CA, 2022
Art Is Love Group Exhibition, BG Gallery, Santa Monica, CA, 2020
Wearable Art Gala Group Exhibition, Waco Theater, Los Angeles, CA, 2019
17 Nations: An Exploration of Masculinity Group Exhibition, Innerspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, 2019
Awards and Recognition
In The Paint 2023-2024 Program Sponsored by The Lakers, Grantee Winner, 2023
Art Battle: LA Finals , Exchange LA Event Space , Los Angeles CA, 2022
Art Show International Gallery, 2022 International Juried Art Competition , Portrait Talent Prize Award, CA, 2022
Black Voices: Live Art and Music Event featuring Devin Wesley, Los Angeles CA, 2020
Art Battle, Exchange LA Event Space , Los Angeles CA, 2019
Form.less - Art, Music and Fashion Event featuring Devin Wesley, Los Angeles CA, 2019