Angela on Art
Xavier Raymond Kelley
Xavier Raymond Kelley (X Ray)
*My connection to a brilliant young artist
Photo courtesy of Xavier Raymond Kelley | @photographsbygrant
In 2021 a local collector started bringing us big, dynamic paintings on canvas, unlike anything we had ever seen. The closest comparison would be Basquiat, but these were unique and exciting. They also challenged our framing skills, as they were painted on canvas that was cut off the roll and painted edge to edge. This was our introduction to Xavier Kelley, who was 20 years old at the time.
Our enthusiasm was shared by many others who would bring in his works for framing. We would get information about this young artist bit by bit, before we ever met him in person.
Photo courtesy of @lucybluejewelry
My cousin, Kevyn, brought her daughter and mom (Aunt Dorothy) to Xavier’s studio and came home with two beautiful pieces. Xavier’s great grandmother is Ruby Bishop, a local jazz icon who Aunt Dorothy had seen perform at Vito’s many times.
It was so exciting to have someone walk through our doors with a big rolled up canvas. One of the most memorable times was when Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird brought in their newly acquired art. (We are big fans of theirs) They were featured on the front page of Elle Decor magazine with an article about their Manhattan apartment remodel. Xavier’s art was on the cover!
Cover of Elle Decor | @xavierrkelley
Another piece that we framed was in the article. Their apartment is pretty much my dream home.
When I mentioned Xavier to my friend, Akesha, she said “I’ve known him his whole life, his mom is a good friend “ The fact that we had an emerging young artist in our community was really cool.
Then, three years ago, he decided to move to Portland. We felt the void. Following him on Instagram kept us feeling connected to his progress and growth, but his local collectors weren’t bringing in his works as often. Although he had shows in Seattle, he made many direct sales. I thought it was wise of him to wait for the perfect opportunity before signing on with a gallery.
I hadn’t seen Xavier since he moved, until last week when Akesha and I took the train to Portland to see his solo show at Industry One. He was expecting us but we hadn’t solidified any plans. On the morning we met at King Street Station, waiting in line to board, we were composing a text to him when I looked up and saw him looking at us from the same line! He had been home for the holidays.
Unfortunately, the gallery was unexpectedly closed. We happened to walk by it on our way back from the Portland Art Museum (another great reason to go to Portland) and could see that it was a huge, well curated exhibit. I’m super proud of him. It’s up through January 2026 if you can make it.
I was secretly more interested in being invited to his studio, so I was pretty thrilled that he welcomed us.
A good portion of his works were at the gallery but there was plenty to see. We would point to a piece and ask its story and he willingly described its themes, symbolism and what he was thinking about before, during and after painting it.
Running Through The Field, Industry One Gallery | @INDUSTRY ONE
His art has graffiti art traditions with themes including: sports, science, music, the black and indigenous experience, capitalism and ancient iconography. He paints on canvas, found wood, doors, a basketball backboard, clothing… anything! He’s been really into collaging too. He finds inspiration anywhere.
Value Scale of an Early Etruscan| @xavierrkelley
His art is layered and multidimensional. The “jumper’s foot” is frequently used to portray athletic form and movement, the power and agility required of marginalized people to jump from low to high. His Instagram stories showing his process are interesting to see. The art flows through him. It reminds me of videos of Picasso or Pollack in action. I hope he gives us more opportunity to watch him painting!
Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe | @otis_quaicoe
Well known artist, Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe, is in a neighboring studio and is a mentor to him. This painting depicting Xavier is just perfect. It was wonderful connecting with Xavier in Portland. He’s such a kind, artistic soul and I’m fortunate to know him. I encourage you to follow him on Instagram.
PS: I came home with this beauty!