ABOUT THE ARTIST

SHAYLA MONAÉ RUSSELL is a Bronx native who began creating pieces of beautiful, vibrant, and arguably controversial content after graduating college in 2014. Never having any formal training, Shayla continued to perfect her craft by way of consistency, diligence and the insatiable desire to shift the perspectives of those around her.  What began as an intimate hobby naturally blossomed into a growing network of love and support. With a B.S in Marketing & Advertising from Johnson C. Smith University and a passion for aesthetics and color - Shayla now works as a freelance visual artist, focusing mainly in acrylic & oil canvases, illustrations, branding, & event coordinating. 

Shayla has always combined her imagination with her life observances in order to create potent images.  Since 2017, her work has appeared in multiple art gallery shows around New York City. She has also been featured in the Summer 2017 issue of The Experience Magazine; a platform for up-and-coming visual artists of the African diaspora. On October 5th, 2019, Shayla presented her first Solo Art show 'Excursions', to the public -where she challenged the audience to step away from their mundane routines and tap into their childlike imaginations. In 2020, Shayla became a member of The ALPHA Arts Alliance, a Brooklyn based minority arts collective with a focus in supporting children's programs. 

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In 2021, Shayla was selected to display her work in the 3rd Annual Future is Female Art Show hosted by SK.Artspace. The show was featured in ESSENCE Magazine shortly after its opening. In 2022, Shayla developed HYYER Magazine and currently acts as its editor and chief/graphic designer. Through HYYER, she has been able to combine her love of writing, love for the arts, and desire to connect and inspire fellow artists all in one place. Ultimately, her passion is to use art as a communication tool to connect people to equity and justice initiatives that change and bring color to our world.

 To view the Hyyer Magazine, click here!.

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