Jahlil Nzinga is an American multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. Working across oil, acrylic, spray paint, charcoal, and enamel, he creates densely layered compositions that examine class, ambition, identity, and the pursuit of social mobility. Through abstraction, distortion, and fragmented imagery, Nzinga explores the psychological and symbolic power of wealth, status, and material aspiration.Before establishing his visual art practice, Nzinga performed as a rapper with the Oakland hip-hop group The Pack. This background continues to inform the energy, rhythm, and cultural references present in his work. Rather than presenting fixed narratives, his paintings remain intentionally open-ended, encouraging viewers to consider the tensions between personal freedom, economic advancement, and the objects used to signify success.In 2023, Nzinga presented Fast Freedom, a solo exhibition of large- and small-scale paintings at Guilty By Association (GBA) in Brooklyn. Through Nzinga Studios, he extends his creative practice into furniture, fashion, and home design, producing objects such as rugs, mirrors, and limited-edition collections. His work is held in the permanent collection of the Pérez Art Museum Miami.

Jahlil Nzinga

American

Main

Artist

Printer

medium_Jahlil Nzinga_Gotta Wear Shades(1).png

small_Jahlil Nzinga_Gotta Wear Shades(1).png

thumbnail_Jahlil Nzinga_Gotta Wear Shades(1).png

xs_Jahlil Nzinga_Gotta Wear Shades(1).png

Jahlil Nzinga_Gotta Wear Shades(1).png

Gotta Wear Shades