Artist Statement:
My art is an abstract mindscape, translating a world seen through the unique lens of dyslexia. As a child, letters morphed into swirls and squiggles, a system of symbols to be decoded. This early experience became the foundation of my visual language, inviting viewers to see not for reading, but for feeling.
My process is intensely physical. I build emotions through layers of color using techniques like pouring, dripping, throwing, and spraying, an approach born from my New York upbringing and the energetic spirit of graffiti. From this culture, I developed my signature character, Buford. He acts as my emissary, a vessel used to describe the complex feelings and emotions of our time, solidifying my mission to paint the streets of the world as a true citizen of the globe.
Recently, my visual language has expanded into the human form. My newfound passion for drawing figures allows me to ground my abstract worlds in reality, offering a deeper, more intimate interpretation of the world we live in today. Whether layering translucent watercolors, a process that mirrors the daily ritual of building an outfit garment by garment, or mapping the weight and energy of a gesture, the figure has become a powerful new vehicle for connection.
Beyond the canvas, my purpose has evolved. My travels have revealed a universal need for motivation. While I began with a focus on inspiring children, I now see that adults, perhaps even more so, need permission to pursue their dreams. The world's harsh realities can beat ambition out of us. Through Buford, my abstract landscapes, and now the expressive energy of the human figure, my work is a vibrant call to reclaim that spark, a burst of energy designed to provoke thought and re-ignite the passion that exists within us all.
Bio:
Amani Heywood is a Bronx-born, Trinidadian-American artist whose dynamic practice bridges the worlds of fine art, contemporary culture, and streetwear. Rooted in the graffiti traditions of New York City, Heywood developed his signature character, Buford, who acts as an emissary throughout his work, articulating the emotions of our times and embodying the artist's vision of global citizenship.
Driven by a passion to cultivate community and empower the creative ecosystem, Heywood recently founded an international gallery dedicated to championing new and emerging artists. This global platform reflects his evolving mission to provide visibility, mentorship, and opportunities to the next generation of voices navigating the contemporary art world.
With a distinguished portfolio that includes collaborations with renowned hip-hop artists such as BKTHERULA, Cash Cobain, and SahBabii, Heywood’s art resonates deeply within the music and entertainment industry. His work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions across New York, Miami, London, and Paris with spaces such as Holy Art Gallery, All St. Gallery, and Equity Gallery.
He has further extended his impact through collaborations with brands like Extra Butter, RAINS, and 2nd Street, creating unique wearable art and interactive experiences. Heywood's practice has garnered significant press attention, including features in W Magazine, Artist Close Up, and Canvas Rebel. His work is recognized for its vibrant energy and its unique ability to merge diverse influences from fashion, philosophy, and architecture into a cohesive and provocative visual language.
Past Exhibitions:
Group: "Why Does My Nostalgia Hurt?" The Untitled Gallery 21-31 Shacklewell Ln, May 2026
Group: "Finding Freedom" The Untitled Gallery 21-31 Shacklewell Ln, February 2026
Group: "Black And Global Majority Art Fair" Cassildart Gallery 32 Connaught Street, December 2025
Solo: "Graffi-Tees" AM:PM Gallery 108 Marcy Ave New York, September 2025
Solo: "But Where Do I Go If My Country Is Burning?" Art Work East 32-34 Osier Way London, Aug 2025
Solo: "Amani Heywood And Family" Extra Butter 125 Orchard St. New York, NY 2025
Solo: "Man In The Mirror" Satellite Gallery 279 Broom St. New York, NY March 2025
Solo: "Open Studio" Self Ran15 Bateman St. London, UK February 2025
Group: "Human" KidSuper Gallery 158 Roebling St. New York, NY February 2025
Group: "Chaos Theory" Bronx River Art Center 1087 E Tremont Ave. New York, NY December 2024
Solo: "Untitled Tile Project" LAAMS 74 Orchard St. New York NY October 2024
Solo: "Inch x Inch" Self Ran 30-30 Steinway St. New York, NY October 2024
Solo: "KRoME RAiN" All St. Gallery 77 East 3rd St. New York, NY September 2024
Group: "Abstraction" Holy Art Gallery 21-31 Shacklewell Ln. London UK August 2024
Solo: "Tapestries and Wallpaper for Justin M. Harcum" Self Ran 30-30 Steinway St. New York, NY May 2024
Group: "Act3" Galeria Azur 1626 NW 36th St. Miami FL April 2024
Solo: "Wallpaper: Colomiba Series" Self Ran 187 Chrystie St. New York NY April 2024
Solo: "Garden of Earthly Delights" All St. Gallery 119 Hester St. New York NY July 2023
Solo: "Living Room Livin' " LAAMS 74 Orchard St. New York NY. May 2023.
Group: "Afro Futures Gala" Sun Art Brooklyn 748 Manhattan Ave. New York NY April 2023.
Group: "Winter Palace" Presented by Equity Gallery 245 Broom St. New York NY. Feb 2023.
Group: "Textured Words" Presented by Sun Art Brooklyn 748 Manhattan Ave. New York NY Nov 2022.
Group: "Convergence" Presented by Sun Art Brooklyn 748 Manhattan Ave. New York NY Sep 2022.
Solo: "Paradise Paintings" LAAMS 74 Orchard St. New York NY July 2022.
Solo: "I Did This Shit In My Room" LAAMS 74 Orchard St. New York NY Jan 2022.