The official website of Diana Shannon Young, an acclaimed African American artist, features stunning contemporary art.
Black Fine Art by Diana Shannon Young
Artist Bio
My work as an African American artist can be deeply narrative, incorporating textured acrylic into mixed-media creations. I often layer historic periodicals and textiles, transforming each canvas into a visual storybook. By blending abstract or stylized figures with political, historical, or contemporary images, my contemporary art remains emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.
Themes of resilience, hope, and empowerment are central to my figurative work. An “incurable optimist,” I capture cultural and societal experiences in ways that resonate deeply with viewers. Many of my titles carry uplifting messages, reflecting strength, perseverance, and triumph over adversity. My 2019 solo exhibition, "SHE Power… With Grace," at the Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles celebrated the beauty, strength, and grace of women while emphasizing identity and empowerment.
My artistic journey, spanning more than 40 years, is self-directed and reflective of self-discovery, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, and settling in California at an early age, I embrace California as home. My relentless pursuit of creative exploration allows me to refine my distinctive style. My curiosity about color, texture, and composition continues to shape my evolution as an accomplished and expressive artist. A collector once described my work as "a breath of fresh air," noting its ability to inspire, uplift, and beautify while telling meaningful stories. Thank you for joining me on this journey and discovering pieces of my collection that resonate with your heart, mind, or soul, as this connection will mark my journey with you as a success.
Despite her success, Diana Shannon Young remains deeply connected to her community. She frequently donates art and has created posters for the National Forum of Black Public Administrators and the Pan African Film and Art Festival in Los Angeles. Her work has graced the covers of the Journal of the National Medical Association and Ebony magazine. Additionally, she mentors emerging artists and advocates for greater visibility and support for artists of color through inclusive Pop-Up Galleries.
Diana's work has been commissioned by major organizations, including the March of Dimes, Black Enterprise Magazine, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Pan African Film & Art Festival. Notable collectors include Billy Dee Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Alden Mc Donald of Liberty Bank in New Orleans, and other prominent cultural and business leaders.
RESUME (SELECTED RECENT ENTRIES)
CURATED GROUP GALLERY SHOWS:
Gallery 626, Santa Monica, CA 2025
Gallerie Aziz, Leimert Park Village, Los Angeles, CA 2025
Lancaster Art Vault, Lancaster, PA 2025
West Chester County Studio Tour, Westchester, PA 2024
Art Basel (Spectrum Art), Miami, FL 2023
Harlem Fine Art Show, NY NY 2015-2023
CURATED SOLO MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS:
Museum of African American Art, Los Angeles, CA 2025
Museum of African American Art, Los Angeles, CA 2008
CURATED GROUP MUSEUM EXHIBITS
San Bernardino County Museum, San Bernardino, CA 2017
Bank One Museum, Wilmington, DE 2013
Riverside Art Museum, Riverside, CA 2012
PUBLIC COLLECTIONS
Dallas City Hall, Dallas, TX
National Forum of Black Public Administrators, Wash, DC
Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Black Enterprise Magazine, NY, NY
PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
V. Montgomery Rice, Dean, Pres. Morehouse School of Med. ATL, GA
Ed Gordon, Journalist, Political Commentator
Earl Graves Sr., Publisher
Billy D. Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Hon. Judge Greg Mathis
PUBLICATIONS
Essence Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Voyage LA Magazine.
JNMA Magazine, LA Sentinel, Change the Narrative (Hard Cover Book)
COMMISSIONS
National Medical Association, Pan African Film and Art Fest,
National March of Dimes, Black Enterprise Magazine,
Diana Shannon Young
19510 Van Buren Blvd. Suite F3-235 Riverside, CA 92508
(951) 536-2662
dsyabstractart@gmail.com or dsyfineart@gmail.com
dianashannonyoungabstractart.com or
dianashannonyoungfineart.com
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Mixed Media and Multi-Disciplined artist Diana Shannon Young
Artist Statement
"Only through Art can Stories be captured without Words." As an African American artist, I am constantly intrigued by the effects of cultural and societal messages on everyday life. Through my contemporary art practice and each series I create, whether figurative or abstract, I aim to explore the impact of these messages. I achieve this through my choice of surfaces, textures, and forms that use bold or monochromatic colors to command the viewer's attention. Heavy pigmented acrylic applied over a textured surface of thick watercolor paper or canvas in a large scale permeates my most recent work. This includes several series dominated by collage techniques and occasional use of pastels, paint markers, and India inks for detail and extra texture. As an incurable optimist, my works portray the stories of cultural and societal life as I experience them, and when they resonate with your conscious, heart, or soul, my story with you becomes a success.
Diana Shannon Young
Commissions Welcomed
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