Afro-Caribbean visual artist Kandy G. Lopez explores “cultural identity, representation, and power through fiber, painting, glass, and mixed media.” That’s a long way of saying her work is wild, and in my opinion, wildly successful. There’s no way for me to look at her work and feel nothing. Her portraits exude attitude and confidence and a bit of heartbreak, and I want to hang one in my house (not something I say about all the artists I profile).

Lopez was featured on NY1, our local news station, in December, but I didn’t get around to writing about her until now. She says her portrait subjects are sometimes family, sometimes friends and neighbors, and sometimes just people she sees on the street or those who come to her exhibits. The artist is particularly drawn to subjects with big personalities, so when someone walks in who seems particularly “swaggy” (her word), she tries to get to know them so she can capture their essence.

You can follow Kandy G. Lopez on her website and on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.