Nothing Is Ever Just Black or White
Frieze Los Angeles, 2024
Devin Wesley (b. 1993) is a Los Angeles-based figurative artist and live painter. After a ten year career as a track and field athlete, he transitioned to his true passion: art.
Wesley’s work examines the multifaceted nature of power through the lens of Black identity. Being a former athlete, he experienced power in its most visible forms: dominance, competition, and hierarchy. His portraits challenge these traditional notions, redefining power as a self-generated force capable of uplifting both the individual and the collective. Rejecting the idea that power is reserved for a select few, Wesley’s work affirms that authentic power is independent of external validation and inherently ours to claim.
Painting exclusively in grayscale, Wesley explores the rigid nature of ‘black-and-white thinking’; a cognitive distortion that reduces life to extremes. His monochromatic palette invites viewers into the vast, often contradictory gray space that better represents the human experience. With a personal connection to this mindset, Wesley approaches his art as both a personal and collective healing practice, offering solace to those navigating life’s complexities.
Beyond the canvas, Wesley uses his work as a tool for social impact. He has collaborated with brands like Adobe, YouTube Originals, BET, and Listos California to address pressing issues such as 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
Freedom Group Exhibition, Black & Mayberry, Los Angeles CA 2024
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