“ABUELA’S KITCHEN” 2023

78X65IN

Multimedia; acrylic paint & found fabrics

About Desi

About Desi

 Destyni “Desi” Swoope born to a Puerto Rican- American mother and a Bahamian, African-American father, was raised in a small town. As a daydreaming child with artistic inclinations, she found solace and expression in creating, though the absence of prominent examples of art in her environment left her uncertain of the possibilities. Wrestling with issues of identity while navigating a path as a former athlete, Desi's aspirations in the realm of art felt distant and unattainable.

The craftsmanship of her grandmother, a master of various artistic disciplines like sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, and building, ignited Desi’s creative spark. This familial influence laid the foundation for Desi's eventual pursuit of a career in fine arts, as well as the longing to preserve cultures through art. In 2017, Desi embarked on a new journey by cultivating a technique that serves as a personal language of expression. Through vibrant narratives, striking portraits, and evocative landscapes, Desi's art has emerged as a powerful vehicle for her voice in the art world.

Currently residing in Miami, Florida, Desi is focusing on themes of heritage, culture, and the preservation of deeply rooted aspects within the diaspora, she is forging a path for herself and for others who share similar narratives. Her goal is to tell stories that encapsulate the essence of Afro-Latinx and Caribbean descent, fostering dialogue and sparking conversations through her compelling artworks.