Jasaya Neale

Jasaya Neale’s paintings are intimate glimpses into the beauty of everyday life, deeply rooted in personal history and identity. Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, with Afro-Caribbean Trinidadian heritage, Jasaya's upbringing was adorned with captivating visuals reflecting his culture. His artistic journey began with a love for photography, capturing moments that hold emotional and nostalgic connections to his daily surroundings. These photographs serve as reservoirs of memories and emotions, informing his meticulous brushstrokes on canvas. 

"Painting allows me to tell stories that might otherwise go unnoticed."

In his Los Angeles studio, Jasaya employs a point-and-shoot method to capture candid moments - like the subtle ripple of worn fabric on a subject's shoulder or the quiet ambiance of a familiar street. These snapshots become the foundation of his paintings, where he translates photographic elements into vibrant compositions. His attention to dark skin tones and adept use of color, form, and composition reflect his Afro-Caribbean Trinidadian identity. 

"I aim to highlight the unnoticed elements of life, bringing them to the forefront through my art."

In ‘Improvising Comes Easy’ (2024), Jasaya presents a scene from a trip to Trinidad and Tobago. The subjects’ actions and the intricate details of the background weave a narrative of identity and belonging.

Jasaya continues to explore the interplay between photography and painting, delving deeper into themes of identity, memory, and the subtle beauty found in everyday moments.

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