In a world often clouded by adversity, there are rare individuals whose light shines through and illuminates the path for others. Amani Lewis is one of those rare souls. When Amani steps into a room, the atmosphere changes—like the flicker of a sparkler, full of warmth and energy.

One of the gifts that makes them truly remarkable is their ability to perceive the world in layers, picking up on the subtle shifts in energy, mood, and ever-so-slight nuances in an environment most people miss. They can balance having a conversation, singing a song playing in the background, and maybe doing a little dance in between, effortlessly absorbing a room and the people in it. When you truly grasp the essence of Amani, one word comes to mind: Benevolence. Their boundless spirit of giving, intertwined with remarkable talent and unwavering faith, has elevated their life into a realm of pure transcendence. Their intuitive understanding of the omnipresent love that connects us and their extraordinary blend of positivity and relentless dedication reshape the world and the lives they touch. Their journey isn’t defined by where they started but by the miracles they inspire and the hope they instill in us.

Amani Lewis 2024 Photo: Logan Fazio for Portray Magazine

What is behind the Work?

Amani Lewis’s work centers on identity, community, and social justice, bringing these themes to life through powerful portraits of real people—friends, activists, and community members. Amani’s portraiture goes beyond mere representation—it amplifies the voices and stories of the people in the artwork. Each portrait is a tribute to the subject’s spirit, celebrating their beauty and resilience while challenging societal norms and perceptions.

Amani’s art is a vibrant fusion of traditional painting, photography, digital collage, and mixed media. This rich layering creates visually captivating, thought-provoking compositions that resonate with dynamic energy. Bold colors and glitter infuse each piece with a magnetic vitality, capturing the inner glow of the people in the portraits, bringing them to life in a way only Amani can, while capturing both the historical and ongoing struggles of Black communities in the U.S.

In a meaningful gesture of support, Amani will share part of the proceeds with their models, hoping that, in turn, will make the model bless someone else, creating a ripple effect that will extend beyond the canvas back into the community. 

When All is Lost, Who Do You Run To? 2022  Acrylic, pastel, glitter, collage on Canvas 97.25 x 73.25″ (247 x 186.1 cm)  Private Collection of the Broad Museum  Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

Early Life:

Born on Andrews Air Force Base in Suitland, Maryland, Amani Lewis’s early life was shaped by challenges. Their mother, struggling with postpartum depression, dealt with trauma that made mothership hard for her at the time.  Amani often felt like an outcast in their immediate family and art was a way for them to cope through various situations. As Amani expressed, “When you are in those predicaments and you feel worthless, there’s nothing stopping you from doing things that relate to that energy.” Amani, will reflect on while living at home how her Nana was there. She clothed, guided, and gave them the stability they needed at the time. Nana often comes into conversation as a voice of reason, practicality, and love. Nana also had a pivotal role in Amani’s destiny. 

After high school, Amani planned to join the military, following family tradition. But Nana saw something deeper and encouraged a formal education in art. This led Amani to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). During this time, they developed their own unique style and distanced themselves from their immediate family, unlocking new paths and opportunities. Away from the torment of home, Amani found strength and independence and, with the right people around them, began to heal. Their talent flourished, transforming hardship into hope and success.

Ayyy its a family reunion! Bring all the girls here! 2021 Acrylic, glitter, pastel, and digital collage on canvas 62 x 88″ Private Collection of Shawn “Jay Z” Carter   Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

Social Activism

Beyond their artistic achievements, Amani Lewis is also deeply committed to social activism. They use their platform to advocate for social change, often collaborating with community organizations and other activists to support causes related to racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic equality.

Lewis believes in the power of art to inspire and mobilize people, and they frequently participate in public art projects, workshops, and speaking engagements to engage with broader audiences.

Sorority Kid, Dre, 2021 Acrylic, Glitter, Pastel, and Digital Collage on Canvas 112.25 x 75.25 ” Private Collection, Miami Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

Intentional Intensity

When you know Amani, you are nudged to assess the implications of attitude, the power of thoughts, and the capacity to manifest positive results through sheer will, hard work, and the benefits of having an absolutely hilarious sense of humor.

PM- I read a quote in one of your interviews that I would like you to rephrase and have you elaborate on. How do you get people to understand who others are and what they’ve been through without pity, and how can readiness be a catalyst for change?

AL–  When I am creating my work beyond the glitter and bright colors, I am composing a composition and color palette that relates to either the personality of that person or my comprehension of that moment we shared. Of course, the viewer will bring their own associations to work, but I think I remain true to the expression that people are able to grasp who that person is while looking at the work. I’ve asked people what they see when they look at my work, and I receive feedback I was personally thinking about when making the work. So I feel confident the work speaks for itself.

A Brotherhood Instilled In Mentorship 2022 Acrylic, collage, glitter, and pastel on canvas 57.25 x 85.25 ” Private Collection of Ansel Elgort
Photo: Courtesy of the artist

PM- I would like to know about your childhood and early days. What was meaningful, what was hard, what was joyful, what was sad.

AL- As a child, Ive always felt like an outcast. There are so many untold stories that haven’t been told, but I find peace in knowing that my endurance made me who I am today. It was difficult growing up and asking why I had to be different? Act different, think differently, see differently… be treated differently. Everything that took over my mind, came out in my expression of self: The shows I watched, the music I listened to and the art I created. That was my refuge. At the time, I never comprehended myself as an artist; drawing was just what I did as a ‘stress reliever’  — but now its my whole world. Although times were tough, I wouldn’t change a thing. 

” When you get the chance to sit out or dance, I hope you Dance, “Acrylic, glitter, pastel, and digital collage on canvas        Photo: Courtesy of the artist

PM- There are clear divides in society today; how does your art bring together people who perhaps think differently, live differently, and approach life differently? Beyond color, creed, or beliefs.

AL- Honestly, I just think my work attracts people in. I’ll never forget the time during my senior thesis when people would walk into the building where my art was exhibiting and b line directly to my work because the colors called to them and drew them in. And when they got to the canvas and looked closely, they saw a city experiencing unrest, death, protest, etc. It sparked dialogue throughout the room with opposing opinions, but one thing I know for sure, when the model in the work entered the room, the same people who wouldn’t dare stay on the same sidewalk if the model was walking towards them were excited to ask personal questions that challenged perspectives and helped folks get to know one another. Ever since that moment, I thought it was my job to break stereotypes, prejudice, and fear by creating work that sparkled and felt like magic and childhood- colorful pieces that made people fall in love with the subject in the painting. 

Rico Among the Blossoms 2022 Acrylic, glitter, collage on canvas Tryptich, Each: 73.5 x 49.25″ (186.7 x 125.1 cm)
Photo Courtesy of the Artist

PM- Can you elaborate on how your self-identity was challenged when you attended the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore? How and what were the drastic differences with having, for the first time, a community made up of mostly black people?

AL- Originally in DC, I was surrounded by black folks, but I was too young. My mother wanted us to grow up with a better education and away from the vices and danger of our ol’ stomping grounds. In doing that, I was newly surrounded by people who looked different, talked different, acted different — the whole nine! Then, moving to Baltimore, I felt like I was reconnecting with my roots and getting to know myself for the first time in history. I didn’t have the pain or judgment of my family holding me back from my discovery. I was free and I was free to make mistakes and decisions for myself by myself. It was liberating and hard but worth every minute of the growing pains experienced.

“1 muse 6 ways”
Acrylic, marker,glitter and digital collage on canvas.
72 x 56″ (182.8 x142.3) cm Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

PM- How did it start with the glitter and how do you choose when to apply it?

AL- Always liked shiny things. I wanted new materials that would draw people into the work, and that was by using glitter. It’s my favorite medium outside of paint, so ever since I started using it, It has been in every painting since. It’s simple: you use an adhesive and slowly ‘powder’ it onto the canvas, blowing off the excess. It’s an awesome but LONG process. 

PM- How important is internal dialogue in your life, and how do you think it has helped you to achieve what you have accomplished? 

AL-This is my favorite question ever, and it’s a good note to end on. Internal dialogue is crucial in this field and in life as a whole. You have to have that mental fortification to move in the ways that benefit your life. When I manifest, I am clearing out all doubts, fears, worries, etc… because that manifestation can’t be half-hearted. If you’re wishing for a financial increase but worrying and claiming you’re broke — the energy switches to the desires of your heart (aka what you’re putting most of your energy into). So that internal dialogue is both for your head and your heart. Even in seasons like this, when the market is unpredictable and people aren’t collecting in the same ways, you must trust the process. Continue to make, continue to network, continue to speak life over your career and your growth, continue being the light that draws people near, and you’ll be alright. Legacy is what is important to me. Will my work stand the test of time? It will, and I thank everyone who is a part of that journey.

“Mother Mary and Brenda” Acrylic, glitter, pastel, and digital collage on canvas” 98.25 x 72″ (249.6 x 182.9 cm) Private Collection of the ICA Miami

Today, Amani Lewis’s work has been exhibited globally, including solo shows at Salon 94, LGDR Paris, group shows at Lehmann Maupin, Gavlak, Jeffrey Deitch, Ross Sutton Gallery in Venice this year, Jenkins Johnson Gallery, Pérez Art Museum Miami, ICA Miami, Speed Museum, KT, Westmoreland Museum in PA, the Broad Museum, and The Norton Museum of Art. Their artworks are part of some of the most esteemed collections worldwide. With their pieces showcased by celebrities, renowned collectors, and prestigious museums, Amani Lewis’s influence continues to grow, marking just the beginning of their impressive journey.

40 Foot Mural in Miami Design District, Miami
Photo: Portray Magazine

The idea behind Portray is that we are Portraying a human being, not just their art. Regardless of fluctuating art markets, the perceived notion of value, and auction trends, a topic that has recently rattled the cage a bit in a recent article, where Amani pushed back against having a life’s work narrowed down to a few auction results, bravely talking about the elephant in the room, and turned the conversation on its head, gaining not only favor but also the respect of both collectors and their peers.

Amani Lewis Photo: Logan Fazio

Amani embraces every challenge with a spirit of triumph, a survival tool that has profoundly shaped their journey. Their deep awareness allows them to leave the past behind, steering the path forward with wisdom born of hard-earned lessons and their rise in success. They can find serenity amid turmoil and turn adversity into an opportunity. Amani’s presence is a poignant reminder that living mindfully in the present and maintaining steadfast to a bright future makes anything possible, illustrating that miracles are temporarily in the harbor within us and waiting to sail.

Amani Lewis 2024 Photo: Logan Fazio for Portray Magazine

Amani’s next show will be with Mindy Solomon in Miami Florida in October 2024