American Artist Contemporary Art Black Art

Young’s art is deeply narrative, often exploring themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the complexities of everyday life. She has stated that she is “always intrigued by the effects of cultural and societal messages of life in general,” and seeks to explore these impacts through her work . Her paintings frequently incorporate stylized figures and symbolic elements that carry personal and cultural significance.

Diana Shannon Young’s imagery also draws on historical and social narratives. 

She has been known to collage historic newspaper and magazine clippings or textiles into her mixed-media pieces, layering in references to significant moments in African American history . These elements – such as snippets about voting rights or portraits of civil rights leaders – add depth and context, turning each canvas into a kind of visual storybook. One reviewer noted that her use of collage can be “educational and intriguing,” imbuing her figurative works with layers of meaning that invite viewers to reflect on both personal and collective histories . By blending the personal and the political, the familiar and the historical, Diana Shannon Young creates art that is both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.

Equally important in Young’s oeuvre are themes of resilience and hope. An “incurable optimist,” she endeavors to portray “the stories of cultural and societal life as I encounter it,” aiming for her work to resonate with the viewer’s heart or soul . Many of her titles carry positive, uplifting messages – for instance, Still I Rise (a nod to Maya Angelou’s empowering poem) and Joy – which underscore her focus on strength and triumph over adversity. Her 2019 solo exhibition, SHE Power… With Grace, at the Museum of African American Art, Los Angeles, CA. celebrated the power and grace of women, further highlighting themes of empowerment and identity . 

Whether depicting a lone figure or a group, Young’s subjects often exude a quiet dignity and inner strength, reflecting the resilience of communities and individuals. In this way, her art functions as both personal expression and cultural commentary, giving voice to narratives of Black identity and experience in America

Diana Shannon Young’s journey as an artist has been a rich and multifaceted one, marked by self-discovery and entrepreneurial spirit. Although born in Kansas City, KS, she spent her early years in Philadelphia PA and North Little Rock AR. but has been a California,resident since the age of 11, and from an early age showed a natural inclination toward art. As she recalls, her earliest inspiration came from watching her younger brother sketch, which sparked a lifelong passion for creating visual art . 

Though she received some formal training and studied art at the collegiate level, Diana Shannon Young’s artistic path has been largely self-directed . She honed her skills through workshops with master artists, close observation of the Old Masters and contemporary works, and an “unrelenting pursuit of creative exploration” . This autodidactic approach, combined with her innate curiosity about color and texture, helped shape the unique style that is instantly recognizable as hers.

Diana Shannon Young’s career took an interesting turn in the late 1970s when she and her husband at the time became art entrepreneurs. A friend convinced them to join the burgeoning gallery scene, and soon they were owners of several art galleries in California . Through this experience, Diana was exposed to a wide range of artists and artworks – from affordable prints by famous names like Picasso and Klimt to original prints (Lithos, Etchings, Serigraphs) pieces by Norman Rockwell, Salvador Dalí, and others . 

They quickly noticed a shortage of artwork by artists of color in the market, and this realization would influence her future direction. In response, she and her former husband published one of the first full-color mail-order catalogs devoted to imags by artists of the African Diaspora . This venture not only introduced many collectors to Black artists, but also rejuvenated Young’s own creative spirit, reigniting her desire to create art herself. 

In the role of gallery owner and curator, she championed the careers of other artists while continuing to develop her own practice . Her journey from gallery owner to full-time artist demonstrates her deep commitment to the art world and her ability to navigate it from multiple angles.

By the early 1980s, Young had fully embraced her calling as a professional artist, dedicating herself “wholly to a life immersed in art” . Over the decades, she built a reputation through consistent exhibitions and community engagement. She has participated in numerous juried shows and museum exhibitions across th USA, including group shows at the Riverside Art Museum and the California African American Museum . In 2019, Young’s work reached a new level of recognition with a solo museum exhibition, SHE Power… With Grace, at the Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles . 

This one-woman show, curated by Larry Earl curator of the Kinsey Collection, showcased her powerful portraits of women and solidified her status as an important contemporary artist. Young’s work has since been widely collected on both national and international levels, and she has been featured in magazines and art publications alongside other influential artists of color . Her ability to connect with collectors is partly due to the authenticity and emotional depth of her pieces. As one art collector noted, Young’s work offers “a breath of fresh air” in the art world, with a “unique perspective and emotional depth” that resonates with those who appreciate art that not only tells a story, but inspires, uplifts and beautifies.

Despite her success, Young remains grounded in her community. She frequently donates art or services to charitable causes – for example, she created several posters for the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Weekend, held yearly in Washington, DC., The Los Angeles, Pan African Film and Art Festival, thrice graced the cover of the Journal to the National Medical Association and included in the pages of Ebony Magazine among other notable exposure. She has contributed to auctions benefiting organizations like the Riverside Art Museum, March of Dimes, Sororities and more. Her work has been exhibited at Intl Art Expo, Art Basel, Miami, National Black Fine Art Show, NY., Harlem Fine Art Show and major galleries. She also mentors emerging artists and advocates for greater support for artists of color.

 Young is keenly aware of the challenges that artists face in today’s market, and she encourages fellow creators to leverage social media and community networks to get their work seen . “It’s an exciting time to be an artist,” she told one interviewer, noting that social media now allows artists to reach a global audience and build enthusiastic followings. 

Young herself uses platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Email, Galleries etc to share her latest pieces and studio insights, effectively connecting with art lovers and collectors beyond Southern California. By combining traditional avenues (galleries, museum shows) with modern strategies, Diana Shannon Young has navigated the art market on her own terms, all while staying true to her vision and cultural roots.

Commissioned By:

• National Office of the March of Dimes
• Governor and Maria Shriver’s Annual Women’s Conference
• Black Enterprise Magazine
• Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Weekend
• Pan African Film & Art Festival
• National Medical Association
• National chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sororities
• Liberty Bank New Orleans, City of Dallas

Television Features:

• The Real Housewives of Potomac
• Married to Medicine Los Angeles
• David Makes Man
• Good Morning Los Angeles (ABC News)

Notable Collectors:

• Vanessa Bell Calloway, Actor
• Billy Dee Williams, Actor & Artist
• Alden McDonald, Founder & CEO of Liberty Bank
• Barbara Thomas, Former CEO of National Black MBA Association
• John & Earl Graves Sr., Publishers of Black Enterprise Magazine
• Wilma Wooten, MD, Chief Health Director, San Diego
• Ed Gordon, TV Host & News Commentator
• Judge Greg Mathis, TV Host
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Diana Shannon Young 19510 Van Buren Blvd. Suite F3-235 Riverside, CA 92508 (951) 536-2662 dsyfineart@gmail.com

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