PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Ukwensi Chappell is a professional contemporary artist exploring modern-day issues and cultural shifts through art.
Chappell was inspired by his mentor, Élan Vital, who uses an aerospace enamel, combined with vibrant colors, to create exotic patterns in his artwork. The paint, which is typically used in aviation, alongside various exotic materials, allowed Vital to create a layered pouring technique unique to Chappell.
Chappell would go on to open a gallery in April 2018, housing and developing “unconventional” artists, especially Black artists, in the 757 — one of the city’s main area codes…