Ashley January's contemporary paintings are deeply rooted in her experiences as a mother. She delves into themes of preeclampsia, premature birth, and birth trauma, continuing to shed light on the crisis of Black maternal mortality in America. Based in Chicago, Ashley balances her artistic pursuits from her home studio at Mana Contemporary while caring for her family. For EXPO CHICAGO Ashley will debut paintings from her new series 'Environments of a Heavy Joy'.
Ashley's talent has been recognized through prestigious awards such as the Women’s Caucus for Art, 2022 Emerging Artist Award, and her selection as a finalist for the 2022 Artadia Chicago Award. Her solo exhibition, 'Human | Mother | Black' received acclaim during its second installment at Western Illinois University in January 2023. Notably, her works have been featured in various exhibitions and acquired by institutions like Tufts University School of Medicine's Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice.
Her paintings have graced prestigious venues including the South Side Community Art Center in Chicago, IL, and Mana Contemporary in Chicago, IL. Ashley's art has also been featured in publications like Luxe Interiors + Design Chicago magazine and on television series such as 'Kings of Napa' on OWN. Ashley's academic journey includes an MFA in Painting from the Laguna College of Art and Design and a BS in Communication with an Advertising concentration and Minor in Studio Art from Bradley University.
Ashley January was selected for the 2022 Invitational Young Masters Exhibition in London, as well as making her debut at the 2023 London Art Fair curatorial project 'Reframing the Muse' by Sotheby’s curator and art historian Ruth Millington.
Ashley January is represented internationally by Cynthia Corbett Gallery.
