Today we’d like to introduce you to Isis Kenney
Isis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, a small city just outside New York City. My artistic journey was deeply influenced by my family, who were both educators and artists. Surrounded by African traditional fine art, jazz, R&B music, and African fashion and textiles, my foundation was rooted in culture from a very early age. My grandmother and uncle were fashion designers, while my father was a fine artist, educator, and art administrator. Growing up, I was immersed in family fashion shows and community projects. My family even had an African fashion store and brand, Nia’s, in Manassas, Virginia, where we designed for our church and local community.
In a family of men, my grandmother Frances had the most significant impact on shaping my creative vision. She taught me the art of blending bold colors, textures, and fashion, which would eventually evolve into my unique blend of urban luxury glam. Though I was encouraged to pursue the performing arts, fine art and digital art were always where I found my true voice. The creative environment I grew up in nurtured my passion for art and culture, and eventually led me to become a hip-hop memorabilia collector. My collection of photojournalism books, vinyl records, and cultural artifacts became the foundation of my visual storytelling, merging hip-hop history with artistic expression.
After high school, I pursued a degree in Visual Communications and started my career in advocacy, working with organizations like The ARC, PSI Cobra Case Management, and Partnership for the Homeless. It was during this time that I recognized a significant gap in visual communication resources for community advocates. This realization sparked my desire to combine design with social justice, showing how art could amplify important messages and reach wider audiences.
This path ultimately led me to create Hip Hop Fine Art, where I honor and preserve the culture and history of hip-hop. Through this platform, I address social justice issues, challenge societal norms, and ignite meaningful conversations. My art has never been confined to traditional boundaries. It’s not just painting or illustration — it’s collage, featuring visual narratives, and storytelling. In the beginning, I was creating art solely for myself, which gave me the freedom to explore without expectation. When my work started to gain attention, it motivated me to keep going and refine my craft. I create across a range of mediums — from collage and digital prints to home décor, textiles, and interior design — with each piece reflecting the vibrancy and energy of hip-hop culture. For me, it’s not just about art; it’s about channeling the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the culture into something tangible that speaks to the heart. Every piece is an opportunity to share our legacy, and to inspire, on a deeper level.
Building my brand has been a long, challenging journey, marked by sacrifices in both my personal and professional life — from friendships to career opportunities. But my commitment to art has remained unwavering. Each day has been an opportunity to push myself, evolve, and tell new stories through my work. Beyond Hip Hop Fine Art, I’ve dedicated myself to elevating businesses and brands by shaping and developing impactful campaigns and narratives that resonate with audiences, raise awareness, and inspire people to take action. Whether I’m crafting marketing campaigns for businesses and nonprofits or creating visual art, my focus is on using design and communication to inspire dialogue, spark transformation, and push the boundaries of traditional design.
It’s been a lifelong pursuit, and every step of it has shaped who I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A smooth road? Not exactly! My name is Isis, so I guess I was born for this life — I mean, it’s right there in the name, right? From day one, I’ve felt like I’m constantly educating about who we are as a people and what we’ve done, which, let’s be real, can be exhausting. But here’s the thing: no matter how much time passes, who’s in office, or what history has gone down, we still find ourselves needing to remind the world of our greatness. So, I use my art as a megaphone for those conversations.
But, I’m not gonna lie, sometimes it’s like, “Okay, I’ve said this a million times already, can we just move on?” The truth is, I realized early on that we can’t move forward as a people, a country, or a nation without having these tough conversations. And while I’m passionate about making art, it comes with its own set of challenges. I have to work longer hours, stay laser-focused, and sometimes I’m just completely misunderstood. It gets frustrating, for sure.
But then I get opportunities like this and others, and it reminds me why I keep pushing — because the work is worth it. So, yeah, the road hasn’t been smooth, but honestly, I never expected it to be. Hip-hop and fine art? That’s a road with a lot of bumps. Oh, and did I mention I’m a Black woman in America? Yeah, not so smooth.
But here’s the thing: it’s made me wiser, stronger, and way better at pivoting. I’ve expanded my own view of what hip-hop can be, and I’ve seen others start to see it in a new light, too. That’s been incredibly rewarding. So, smooth road? Nah. But I wouldn’t change it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hip Hop Fine Art?
Hip Hop Fine Art isn’t just a brand — it’s a movement that captures the essence of hip-hop’s evolution. Hip-hop is in everything we do: art, fashion, design, and life. I’m not just making pretty pictures or telling visual stories; I’m documenting the history, struggles, and triumphs of hip-hop in a way that’s both bold and luxurious. Each piece connects the past to the present, bringing the soul of hip-hop into every creation.
What makes Hip Hop Fine Art stand out? Simple — we blend the rich history and raw energy of hip-hop with high-end design. Whether it’s a powerful collage, custom home décor, or a unique piece of furniture, everything crafted carries a story. The goal isn’t just to decorate a space but to infuse it with culture in a way that feels fresh, dynamic, and unapologetically Hip Hop.
Known for merging art, culture, and design, the work resonates deeply with hip-hop fans and design lovers alike. From home décor to fashion and even interior design services, every piece does more than just look good. It connects people with something real and powerful — something that makes you feel a certain way when you experience it. Walk into a room, gaze at a piece of art, or wear something from the collection, and the energy, history, and pride of hip-hop will speak for itself.
What’s been the proudest achievement? It’s the ability to stay grounded in the roots of hip-hop while pushing the boundaries of design. The journey so far has been incredible, and the opportunity to showcase visual storytelling in such a luxurious and impactful way feels like an achievement in itself. As the brand grows, the excitement lies in expanding into new areas — offering more home décor, fashion, furniture, and growing more interior design services.
Ultimately, Hip Hop Fine Art is about embracing culture in its purest form and honoring the legacy of hip-hop in every facet of life. Whether it’s elevating a space, wearing something that speaks to who you are, or appreciating art that tells a story, the goal is to offer something for everyone. It’s not just a brand; it’s a lifestyle.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor is essential for any artist, though it can sometimes feel like a luxury that not everyone has access to. The key is to stay inspired, stay informed, and keep looking for ways to grow. A lot of us don’t have a ready-made blueprint handed to us — we have to search for it. So, much like life itself, it’s important to create the kind of experience you want as an artist, one that works for you, in whatever form that takes. We all thrive in different environments.
Some artists might need a physical mentor who can guide them directly, while others can find all the mentorship they need through books, articles, or watching others work. Some people love networking, meeting new folks, and sharing ideas, while others need solitude to focus on their craft. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and that’s what’s so beautiful about this journey. We’re all unique, designed and developed in our own ways.
My advice? Embrace what makes you feel most comfortable. Be honest with yourself about what you need to succeed — whether that’s a manager, a mentor, or simply a good friend. Design the life that allows you to be your best self, without feeling pressured to follow someone else’s path. For me, I’ve been lucky to find mentors and friends along the way, sometimes by seeking them out, and other times by just being in the right place at the right time.
It took me a while to recognize the importance of strong relationships. I’ve always been pretty independent and self-sufficient. If something wasn’t available to me, I’d either create it myself or learn how to make it happen. I’ve always been an empath, a private person, a little weird (okay, maybe a lot weird), and that made me hesitant to open up to others. But as I’ve grown, I’ve learned to embrace the connections that work best for me. And I’m thankful for that.
At the end of the day, it’s about finding what works for you — and giving yourself permission to thrive in your own way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hiphopfineart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiphopfineart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HIPHOPFINEART1
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isiskenney/
- Twitter: https://x.com/HIPHOPFINEART
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HIPHOPFINEART
- Other: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/isis-kenney
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HIPHOPFINEART
Image Credits
Kenji BC @mindofkenji
