Ayana Ross is a visual artist whose work, using figurative realism, combines traditional oil painting methods with the elaborate treatment and decorative design as a visual language to evoke nostalgia, elevate her subjects, and provide greater context into her work.

Often autobiographical in nature, Ross’s paintings weave together layered narratives to explore social and intergenerational themes, including identity, race, equity, and the broader evaluation of our value systems. Her work seeks to highlight the profound lessons we can draw from everyday people and moments.