About Yolanda Galery

Yolanda Galery is a contemporary painter based in Seattle, Washington, whose work explores themes of cultural identity, natural beauty, and self-acceptance through vibrant portraiture. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Galery showed early interest in the arts, drawing, writing, and making music throughout her childhood. Though she has long been creatively inclined, she began developing a focused painting practice in 2020, turning to color and portraiture as tools for self-expression and cultural affirmation.

Galery’s work is rooted in her African-American heritage and often centers Black women, natural hairstyles, and emotive expressions. Her bold use of color challenges societal beauty standards and uplifts representations of melanated people with strength, joy, and nuance. Her portraits are both deeply personal and socially resonant, offering a counter-narrative to mainstream depictions of Black identity.

Currently practicing full-time, Galery is in the early stages of her career and embraces her path as an emerging artist. She continues to refine her voice through acrylic and digital media, and is building her presence through local exhibitions, collaborations, and community-based projects. Her art is a celebration of resilience, grace, and the beauty of being unapologetically seen.