10 Questions with Khaila Batts

Khaila Batts is a multidisciplinary artist rooted in her Black American identity, navigating the intricate intersections of memory, identity, and societal narratives. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Batts fuses traditional and contemporary techniques, integrating analog and digital elements into her work. She holds an M.F.A. in Studio Arts and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Arts and Humanities from The City College of New York.

Her notable exhibitions include the 2024 "Step Into Our World. We Are Not Invisible: We Are Vividly Alive" at the Stepmother Group Exhibition, The Canvas 3.0 Gallery, WTC Oculus Building; "Parables of the Unknown" at Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning; and "Transplants" at Amos Eno Gallery, Brooklyn.

She has received fellowships, including the MASS MoCA Residency in March 2024, the Create Change Fellowship from Laundromat Project, Brooklyn, NY, and the Monson Arts Residency 2023. Batts's work has been featured in publications like White Columns Curated Artist Registry and "Zine, (In)Visible Guides: Convening" by Abrons Art Center, NY.

With a dynamic approach to storytelling through color, emotion, and technology, Khaila Batts continues to provoke dialogues and challenge preconceptions in the contemporary art landscape.

khailabatts.com | @khailabatts

ARTIST STATEMENT

Khaila Batts' artistic practice reflects the ever-shifting currents of memories and experiences, encapsulating the essence of her inner conflicts, struggles, and familial relationships. Her work confronts the violence embedded within the fabric of ordinary life, urging beholders to contemplate society's portrayal of race and the spectacle of abuse. Utilizing digital collage, acetate, and painting techniques, Khaila transforms violent episodes into calming waves of teal and aquamarine.

Khaila's compositions are a choreography of entwined figures against flat, one-dimensional backdrops, exuding the energy of a theatrical performance and emphasizing the visceral nature of the human form. These visual elements are essential in transforming her artwork into a stage-like tableau. By rendering the skin tones of her loved ones as photo negatives, creating serene blue hues, she transcends the constraints of race. Simultaneously, these figures become symbolic representations of the alienation or othering experienced by those within the Black diaspora.

Central to Khaila's artistic process is the integration of phones and technology. She utilizes her phone to capture photographs that serve as references for her paintings. Additionally, she manipulates colors digitally, inviting viewers to engage with the work using their own cellular devices. By inverting the display settings, the negative fragments of her artwork transmute into their true form, revealing hidden ebony bodies within cerulean depths. The phone becomes a conduit for both information and misinformation, stimulating discourse on the shaping of perception through technology.

INTERVIEW

First of all, let’s talk about yourself. Who is Khaila Batts, and how did you develop into the artist you are today?

I am Khaila Batts, a multidisciplinary artist deeply rooted in my Black American identity, I find myself constantly navigating the intricate intersections of memory, identity, and societal narratives. Having been born in Philadelphia and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I have always sought to fuse traditional and contemporary techniques, integrating analog and digital elements into my work.
My journey into the world of art has been influenced by personal experiences and reflections on societal themes. Particularly during the pandemic, I underwent a period of isolation, which prompted deep contemplation on mortality and apocalyptic themes, heavily influenced by my Christian background. This introspective period catalyzed my artistic exploration of chaos and violence associated with the apocalypse.
Expanding on this exploration, I have delved into the realm of subtle violence that I have experienced or observed, particularly within familiar relationships and environments. Growing up in an urban society, I became acutely aware of how certain issues are often overlooked or ignored, perpetuating a cycle of societal indifference. In New York City, it is unfortunately common to turn a blind eye to trash piled on the ground or to the plight of the homeless and mentally ill individuals on public transportation. There exists a prevailing culture of ignorance, especially concerning violence, which is often swept under the rug as a typical New York phenomenon.
My artistic practice serves as a vehicle through which I seek to explore and confront these societal behaviors and norms. Through my art, I aim to challenge the viewer's perceptions and provoke introspection about the underlying complexities of everyday life. By shedding light on the subtle nuances of violence and societal indifference, I hope to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire positive change.
Each piece I create is imbued with layers of meaning and symbolism, drawing from my own experiences and observations. Through a combination of traditional and digital techniques, I strive to create visually compelling works that blur the lines between reality and imagination. My art invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in critical conversations about the world around them.
Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to use my work as a catalyst for social awareness and transformation. By shining a spotlight on issues that are often overlooked or ignored, I hope to inspire empathy, understanding, and action. Through art, I believe we have the power to challenge existing narratives and create a more just and compassionate society.

What originally inspired you to become an artist, and how did you first become interested in making art? 

My journey into art was ignited by an insatiable curiosity and an innate fascination with the world surrounding me. One artist who influenced me is Romare Bearden, renowned for his vibrant depictions of American black culture through collage and photomontage. I recall encountering Bearden's work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where his use of vivid and distorted imagery sparked within me a desire to delve into the darker elements, such as violent stereotypes ingrained within the black image.
Interestingly, despite growing up in an artistic household, my eagerness to pursue art was initially subdued. The irony of being surrounded by artistic parents is the tendency to perceive their work as superior, inadvertently creating a barrier to embracing art. Initially, my aspirations leaned towards the humanities, reflected in my bachelor's degree focusing on anthropology and the study of societal expectations. However, the onset of the pandemic became a turning point. Losing my job provided an unexpected opportunity to explore other creative outlets. It was during this period that I began to realize the potential of art as a means of expression.
My journey into art was unconventional, shaped by early exposure to diverse forms of artistic. Despite my longstanding interest in photography, I never viewed it as a form of artistry, but rather as a professional endeavor. However, the pandemic prompted a reevaluation of my creative pursuits. I began to harness my photography and Photoshop skills to craft digital collages and paint hybrids, blurring the boundaries between photography and painting. This fusion became integral to my artistic process, with the majority of my paintings evolving from digital collages as direct references.
As I honed my skills, I found myself gravitating toward the power of visual storytelling. Drawing inspiration from artists like Kent Monkman and Wangechi Mutu, I delved deeper into the realm of artistry, particularly focusing on the modern implications of apocalyptic narratives on humanity and the environment.
Incorporating techniques from these influential artists, I began to weave together a narrative that transcended traditional boundaries. Exploring themes of societal decay and environmental degradation, my artwork serves as a reflection of the contemporary human experience, confronting viewers with the stark realities of our world.

Speaking of art making, could you describe your artistic process and how you incorporate both traditional and digital techniques into your work?

My artistic process is a dynamic blend of traditional and digital techniques. It all starts with capturing photographs of subjects and environments that deeply resonate with me. These images serve as the foundational elements of my artwork. Through the magic of digital manipulation and collage techniques, I transform these captured moments into surreal compositions that delve into themes of memory, identity, and societal narratives.
To bring these visions to life, I employ tools like Photoshop to manipulate scale, colors, and perspective. Color inversion is a technique I use to challenge conventional perceptions. By inverting colors in an image, I create a striking visual effect that prompts viewers to reconsider their understanding of the artwork. This manipulation extends to the way viewers engage with my pieces, encouraging them to use their smartphones to explore different perspectives and interpretations.
Incorporating smartphones into my artistic practice is more than just a technical choice; it's a deliberate invitation for viewers to participate in a dialogue about the influence of technology on our perception of art and reality. By using smartphones to view my work, audiences are prompted to reflect on how their own experiences and cultural backgrounds shape their interpretation of color and imagery.
A significant part of my process involves integrating traditional painting methods, such as oil techniques to add depth and texture to my pieces. One example is my work titled "More White," a mixed-media portrait that combines acrylic and oil paint to create a visually striking composition. In this piece, I explore the concept of the Janus figure—a two-headed deity associated with time—by juxtaposing elements of realism and abstraction.
The figures in "More White" embody a range of emotions, from joy to despair, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of human existence. Through attention to detail and careful manipulation of color and imagery, I aim to create visual storytelling that blurs the line between reality and the subconscious.
Ultimately, my goal is to spark thought-provoking conversations and stimulate discourse on the intersection of art, technology, and perception.

Your art explores themes of memory, identity, and societal narratives, as you mention in your statement. Can you share some specific examples of how these themes manifest in your artwork?

In my artwork, I delve deep into themes of memory, identity, and societal narratives, employing symbolism, composition, and color as my tools of expression. One of my signature approaches involves portraying fragmented figures and distorted landscapes, mirroring the fragmented nature of memory and the intricate layers of personal identity. Through these visual elements, I aim to challenge viewers to confront their perceptions and biases surrounding race and cultural identity.
Violence and chaos are often featured in my work, serving as potent symbols of societal discord and upheaval. Through my mark-making technique, characterized by crowded and unpredictable brush strokes, I strive to evoke a sense of overwhelming disorder. For instance, in my painting "1217," chaos is palpable through the inversion of the background, where figures appear suspended in the sky amidst a sea of red, symbolizing violence as a passive yet pervasive force. Despite the seemingly innocuous activities depicted, such as domestic labor or non-hostile stances, the figures are nonetheless engulfed by the tumultuous atmosphere, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of violence.
"Family Portrait" another significant piece, addresses pressing social issues surrounding the objectification of black bodies, particularly in the wake of tragic events like murders. This project confronts the unsettling phenomenon of reducing profound human experiences to mere entertainment, as seen in the disturbing trend of sensationalizing such incidents online. By shedding light on these global patterns, I strive to provoke critical reflection and dialogue on the dehumanizing effects of societal voyeurism.
By juxtaposing elements of chaos and violence with themes of memory and identity, I invite viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in deeper introspection about the world around them.
Overall, my work serves as a visual exploration of the human condition, shedding light on the interconnectedness of individual experiences within broader societal contexts. Through the emotive power of color, composition, and symbolism, I seek to inspire empathy, and understanding. 

How do you navigate the portrayal of race in your art, and what challenges or considerations arise from addressing such sensitive topics?

Navigating the portrayal of race in my art is deeply personal and intricate. I approach this subject with sensitivity and empathy, striving to create artwork that sparks understanding and dialogue. Despite the challenges inherent in addressing such sensitive topics, I firmly believe in art's ability to transcend boundaries and initiate crucial conversations about race, identity, and representation.
Central to my artistic vision are delicate brushstrokes and serene blues, which serve to transform violent scenes into tranquil imagery, offering a glimmer of hope in adversity. By portraying skin tones as negatives, I aim to transcend racial confines, presenting radiant individuals who symbolize those marginalized in society.
The use of smartphones as viewing devices also acts as a commentary on the media's role in shaping public opinion and emotional responses. Through color inversion and manipulation, I challenge viewers' perspectives, inviting them to reconsider their preconceptions.
In my work, I focus on identity and perceptions of Black bodies, employing large-scale paintings as a tool for knowledge-sharing and expression. By crafting visual narratives that defy stereotypes and honor the complexity of Black trauma and experiences, I seek to empower and validate the subjects of my work. This act of love extends beyond the canvas, fostering dialogue and understanding within broader communities. Through my art, I endeavor to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society, believing that love, expressed through creativity, can inspire positive change.

The use of teal and aquamarine seems significant in your work. What do these colors represent to you, and how do they contribute to the overall message of your pieces?

Colors wield immense psychological power, their impact varying greatly depending on cultural context. Throughout my artistic journey, I've delved into the intricate relationship between color and perception, recognizing how meanings can shift based on individual experiences. In my work, I purposefully leverage colors with strong societal associations, notably white and blue, to evoke emotions and challenge ingrained perspectives.
White, often synonymous with purity, serves as a central motif in my paintings. By depicting figures with an aura of purity while hinting at their involvement in violent acts through subtle inversions, I seek to prompt viewers to confront the paradox of innocence and violence coexisting within individuals. This deliberate manipulation of color aims to transcend racial lenses, presenting a serene aesthetic that belies the underlying tension and challenges related to identity in society.
A crucial aspect of my artistic process involves the transformation of black skin tones into calming shades of blue (teal and aquamarine). This intentional choice serves to humanize , incorporating societal attributes associated with the color blue while challenging conventional perceptions of race. Through this recontextualization, I aim to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities and stimulate dialogue on racial identity and prejudice.
In my compositions, figures are strategically placed and implied in ways that evoke themes of death or violence. Whether depicted in moments of repose or engaged in ambiguous actions, these scenes invite diverse interpretations from viewers, encouraging reflection on how preconceived notions shape our understanding of the subjects portrayed. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a broader dialogue on social issues and challenge entrenched stereotypes.
In essence, my artistic practice revolves around the exploration of color, emotion, and perception. Through deliberate color choices and composition, I aim to spark meaningful dialogue and encourage viewers to reconsider their perspectives on societal issues. With each brushstroke, I strive to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and ultimately inspire positive change in the world.

As you mention in your statement, your paintings can be experienced through a phone screen. What motivated you to integrate phones and technology into your artistic practice, and how do they contribute to the narrative of your work?

The integration of phones and technology into my artistic practice is deeply rooted in my desire to explore the intersection of art and modern life. It's not just about creating paintings; it's about creating an experience, one that challenges traditional notions of how art is consumed and accessed. By allowing viewers to engage with my paintings through their phone screens, I aim to break down barriers and invite them into a more immersive and interactive artistic journey.
This approach reflects my belief in the transformative power of technology. In today's digital age, smartphones have become ubiquitous tools for communication, entertainment, and art appreciation. By incorporating smartphones into my artistic process, I'm not only embracing a modern form of media and expression but also actively involving viewers in the creation and interpretation of my work.
Instructions for viewing the inverted images will be provided, but all phones can invert colors using a camera app. This interaction is intended to give viewers a participatory role in the artistic experience, allowing them to engage with the work on a more personal level.

On the same note, can you explain how viewers can engage with your art using their own devices and what effect you hope this interaction will have on their perception of your artwork?

Engaging with my artwork goes beyond the traditional gallery experience. Through the integration of technology, viewers are invited into an interactive journey that adds dimension to their perception of the pieces. By simply scanning a QR code or visiting a dedicated website, viewers can unlock a digital component that offers a new way to experience art.
At each artwork's location, you'll discover a QR code. With your smartphone in hand, open the camera app and hover it over the code. A notification will prompt you to explore the interactive elements of the exhibition. This integration of technology allows for a transformative shift in perception, offering viewers an alternative perspective on the artwork.
By viewing the artwork through inversion settings on their cell phones, the audience can uncover hidden layers of emotion and narrative, enriching their understanding of the artwork.
My primary focus in incorporating this digital component is to explore the dynamics of confrontation and connection between the figures within the artwork and the audience. The intimate proximity of the figures challenges viewers to engage the pieces. Through this discomfort, I aim to prompt deeper introspection and self-awareness in the viewers, fostering a more immersive and meaningful experience.
In essence, the integration of phones and technology into my artwork offers viewers a unique and immersive experience that encourages active participation. 

In what ways do you hope your art sparks conversations or stimulates discourse on the shaping of perception through technology?

I'm deeply committed to the idea that my art can serve as a catalyst for conversations and discourse, especially concerning how technology shapes our perceptions. By incorporating phones and digital platforms into my artistic practice, my aim is to prompt viewers to reflect on how technology not only impacts our understanding of art but also shapes our broader understanding of the world around us.
The significance of my work lies in its ability to initiate meaningful conversations about the role of color and perception in shaping our understanding of familiar dynamics. Through digital collages and paintings that highlight diverse familial narratives, I strive to create a space for introspection and dialogue. I hope to encourage viewers to challenge their preconceptions and develop a deeper connection to the shared human experience.
Highlighting a range of perspectives, experiences, and narratives, art assumes a crucial role in nurturing inclusive dialogue that mirrors society's intricate nature. It serves as a potent instrument for addressing present-day concerns, offering a stage for contemplation and discussion that aligns with ongoing social movements. Art possesses a special capacity to connect with individuals emotionally, sparking motivation and enriching broader societal conversations. As an artist, I view it as our responsibility to confront societal issues through our creations, actively contributing to a cultural transformation that guides the course of social justice movements.

And lastly, what are you currently working on? Do you have any new projects or exhibitions you would like to share with our readers?

Currently, I'm engrossed in various new projects and exhibitions, including "Things We Lost in the," a group show in Maine, where I continue to delve into themes of memory, identity, and societal narratives. I'm particularly focused on experimenting with color manipulation techniques and exploring the additive manufacturing technique in one of my paintings. I'm eager to unveil my latest creations to audiences worldwide, inviting them to join me on a journey of discovery and exploration through my art. Be sure to stay tuned for updates on my upcoming exhibitions and events as I strive to push the boundaries of artistic expression and creativity.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.