Seeking the Creative: Jaeden Khalid Boatwright, Illustrator

How would you describe your art in three words?

Crazy, sexy, cool.

Jaeden Boatwright is an artist with a strong sense of purpose, identity, and novelty. The 19 year old from Brockton, Massachusetts began their craft early in 2021, and they have  since created several captivating and passionate pieces of art. Jaeden creates new pieces whenever their art calls to them, allowing the time and space for the best kind of creativity to emerge. Eventually, Jaeden hopes to view their work in galleries, homes, and museums, yet their biggest wish is that audiences find a sense of comfort when viewing these pieces. Jaeden wishes to inspire their audiences in the way they have been inspired. 

Where/how do you gather inspiration?

I gather my inspiration from portraits, continuous line art, and mosaics primarily. I’m very attracted to palettes with a wide variety of colors that flatter each other. In particular, I’m drawn to the works from the Harlem Renaissance, Pablo Picasso, Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Yosnier. I enjoy mixtures of realism and contortion, if that makes sense. I try to incorporate that into my own works with my own personal flair, of course.

What do you hope audiences retain from your work?

• Movement is essential
• Shapes are everywhere, unorthodox and traditional, and you have the opportunity to create them yourself
• The body is beautiful
• Appreciation for Black, queer, and trans art in any and every form
• There is compassion in color

Edited by Sydni Dichter

Instagram: @jaedenkhalid