ABOUT
AWESUM
Ashley Crawford, known as Awesum, is a dynamic Brooklyn-based contemporary artist. Specializing in portraits and surreal scenarios with symbolic depth, Awesum's work divulges personal reflections and visions through trusted muses to the viewer. Her paintings blend vulnerability and imagination, capturing a range of emotions and thoughts in vibrant colors and intricate details.
As a teaching artist and muralist, Awesum brings her artistic visions to life in the studio and large-scale public spaces. Their collaboration with clients like Captain Morgan, Vita Coco, and the Brooklyn Nets reflects a versatile and impactful artistic style that resonates with a wide audience.
Awesum's paintings are characterized by traditional techniques, a developed, self-taught style, and contemporary themes, creating a unique visual language that invites viewers to explore the layers of meaning within each artwork. Through a nuanced use of symbolism and composition, Awesum's pieces evoke a sense of mystery while inviting viewers to contemplate the intersections of identity, fantasy, and the world around us. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Awesum continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, while leaving a lasting impression on the vibrant art scene of Brooklyn and beyond.
Artist Statement
As someone bearing the name "Awesum," I embrace the challenge of exploring what it means to be such. Through my art, I examine the layers of expectations and perceptions I frequently struggle with to reveal my authenticity. I find inspiration in the intricacies of life, constantly analyzing and reevaluating not just the art I create, but also my own identity as a melanated woman in America. Each medium I use serves as a tool for this exploration, whether it's the tactile experiences of painting on canvas or mixed media, or the limitless possibilities of various other mediums such as music or dance. I utilize these mediums seamlessly, allowing for a dynamic interplay of textures, colors, and concepts that invite viewers to question, reflect, and engage with the artwork on a deeper level. Through my surreal creations, I aim to provoke thought, evoke emotions, and inspire a sense of wonderment. It's not just about creating visually stunning pieces, but about crafting narratives that resonate with the complexities of the human experience. Art, for me, is a journey of continuous discovery and evolution, where the act of creation becomes a mirror through which I understand myself and the world around me.