IMANI WHO?
Born and raised in Maryland and currently based in the DMV, Imani Gardner is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, stop motion animation, music, writing, and design. At their core, they are a mix media painter, working primarily with acrylic and oil paints. Their visual work, known for its vibrant color palettes and deeply personal reflections on black trans embodiment, is driven by both personal and communal experiences. Often weaving together themes of identity, childhood, transformation, and memories held in the body.
A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Industrial Design, Imani is a passionate self-taught painter whose intuitive, experimental approach drives their work. Their art has been exhibited throughout the Northeast, including shows at the Washington Studio School, Johns Hopkins University, and Dodomu Studio. They were awarded the Spring Bird Residency of 2025, in recognition of their evolving practice. They regularly sell original pieces through craft fairs, local galleries, and community events.
