Bio

Ariel Dannielle (b. 1991) is an African-American painter born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She graduated from University of West Georgia, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Drawing directly from her life, Ariel creates large-scale paintings that depict the daily experiences of young Black women through her personal and playful lens. 

She believes in the importance of her artwork to provide a look into Black girlhood/womanhood that can be represented and understood. 

This acrylic archive has enabled her to explore aspects of the mundane, human vulnerability and sexuality. Influenced by Kerry James Marshall and Emma Amos, Dannielle focuses on developing personal narratives within her portraits that challenge gender and racial stereotypes. By placing herself in the paintings, Dannielle welcomes the viewers to also participate in a process of introspection.

Ariel’s work has been showcased at California African American Museum, Monique Meloche Gallery, Soco Gallery, UTA Atlanta, Harvey B. Gantt Museum, Mint ATL, The Goat Farm, ZuCot Gallery, Dalton Gallery, Trio Contemporary Art Gallery, and Perez Museum Miami. She was MOCA GA Working Artist Fellow of 2019-20 and an Artadia 2018 finalist. She showcased her first mural with Living Walls x Adult Swim in Atlanta, Georgia in 2022.

 

Statement

Representation matters to me. It informs the work I create. I paint with the hope that my viewers not only feel empowered and inspired, but also seen and understood.  My work is a visual journal. Each painting is record of my personal experiences, observations, and feelings. This acrylic archive has enabled me to explore aspects of human frailty and vulnerability, racial and ethnic identity, gender, sexuality, and feminism.  

I aim to show my experiences in a way of thriving not just surviving. I do not want to be defined by trauma, our joy should continue to be highlighted. I believe there is still room for more exploration for black figures in art when it comes to representation. It is my hope that my depiction of simple everyday experiences provides new understandings of Black womanhood and causes new connections to be made.