Donna Woodley
“Thoughts, discussions, and many healthy debates about black culture over the years are seeds that I’ve subconsciously sewn, rediscovering them as an artist years later. I love making work that speaks to ideas of black experience. My paintings are confrontational towards the visibility and value of black people within American society, both historically and in a contemporary context. The enlistment of men and women that I know, including myself, is a significant part of my painting process. It allows me to explore the idea of emotion, connection, and relationship, and also challenges me to render the figure accordingly. I discuss current themes and ideas that exist by combining the figure with metaphoric symbols such as granny panties and toilets. Informed by stereotypes, cultural similarities and differences, perception of beauty, mental health, and esteem, my work often uses subtle humor to create an environment conducive to healthy dialogue. Currently, I am making paintings that discuss abstract ideas of black realism, self-perception, and American society’s perception of black people. Some of the paintings are meant to engage the viewer through the gaze while others address mortality, mental health, and black history. My primary desire for the viewer is to feel compelled to approach the work. The icing on the cake is if the viewer dwells there, reacts in some way, and walks away having felt something.”
Donna Woodley is a visual artist and art educator who maintains her studio practice in Nashville, TN. Her work explores themes of black significance, black presence, and black navigation throughout American spaces. Informed by stereotypes, cultural similarities and differences, perceptions of beauty, mental and physical health, and esteem, her conceptual work often includes symbols and subtle humor as a tool to open the door for a pure encounter with Donna’s work resulting in honest discourse.
Donna has exhibited nationally and internationally. She was named Nashville’s Best New Artist in 2016 by the Nashville Scene’s annual “Best Of” issue as well as a featured artist for the Representative John Lewis Mural project installed in downtown Nashville, TN in 2021. Other of Donna’s achievements include the award-winning group exhibition We Count: First Time Voters at The Frist Art Museum in Nashville, TN, and a Flying Solo exhibition at the Nashville International Airport. She has commissioned works included in the 2nd and 3rd classes of Vanderbilt University’s Trailblazers Initiative collection in addition to works included in the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center collection also at Vanderbilt University.
As an artist who has a passion for the human condition, Donna believes that everyone’s story is significant. Her work captures the spirit of her subjects, creating a path for their stories to be included in the discourse of her work. Providing education on how to represent the human condition through making art is also a significant part of Donna’s social practice.
CRAFTING BLACKNESS 
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