Art For Our Lives: Liana’Kim

Artists have always had a role to play in social movements, and the ongoing movement in defense of Black lives is no different. BDA is proud to feature some of the paintings that were displayed on boarded up businesses in Troy, New York on June 7, 2020 during a Black Lives Matter march which occurred in response to the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other unarmed victims of police violence.

The Human Garden by Liana’Kim, aka The Pretty Painter, is one of the paintings that was on display during the march. Liana shared the following information with us about her work:

“My name is Liana Sepulveda. My artist name is Liana’Kim. I am a 25 year old Troy based artist looking to use my talents to spread the message of positivity, unity, and bring awareness to social issues. In light of recent events in society regarding the “Black Lives Matter” movement I was asked to paint a mural in downtown Troy that embodied my idea of a positive message to spread in this time of need. I journeyed through downtown Troy to find a good location. I spoke with fellow artist D. Colin to see what best fit me and it was beside her at Artcentric Marketplace at 266 River st. Upon speaking to the owner Ms. Debra Lockrow about my personal message we went over some ideas I had. “The human garden” was born from the idea that we all have the same beginning however our stories are a little different. The things that make us different are what makes us unique individuals but if you break us down we are all flesh and bone.”

You can learn more about Liana and her work at theprettypainter.com, and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram.