The Harlem Renaissance Gala: Artist Spotlight
The Voices Behind the Canvas
De’Janae Oliver Interview
Tell us about yourself:
MY name is DeJanae, Artistically known as DeJiiva and I am based in Youngstown,
Ohio.
How would you describe the style or spirit of your work?
The spirit of my work is rooted in storytelling, experimentation, and emotion. I’m a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, sculpture, photography, design, and more—but I’ve recently found my niche in collage painting. Right now, my work leans into themes of feminism, Afrocentric identity, and nostalgia, often blending bold visuals with textured materials to create layered, expressive pieces. At the same time, I enjoy exploring a wide range of styles and subjects, sometimes stepping outside those themes to follow where my imagination leads. My process is intuitive, reflective, and always open to growth—grounded in care, culture, and curiosity.
What role has the community or your surroundings played in shaping your artistic journey?
When people see my work, I hope they’re drawn in enough to pause, enjoy it, and really take the time to examine it. What I love most is when someone connects with a piece—when it reminds them of something personal, or they see themselves in it. Those moments where someone approaches the work, tells me what it makes them feel, and then can’t stop looking—that’s the kind of response I hope for. During my Girls on Da Block opening night, people kept circling back to tell me what the pieces reminded them of—memories, music, childhood, style—and each time, they had something new to say. I hope for that kind of layered connection with every piece, but I also value the quiet reactions—when someone is just still with the work. That kind of unspoken energy is powerful, too.
What themes or questions does your work explore right now?
My creative process usually begins with a random idea that hits me out of nowhere—often while I’m doing something unrelated to art. If it sticks, I write it down fast, and from there, the ideas start flowing. Each project unfolds differently depending on the medium, but once my materials are laid out and my old-school R&B or early 2000s playlist is on, I’m fully in the zone. Even when my process seems hectic on the outside, for me it’s peaceful. It’s my safe space. In short, it goes something like this: a random idea, then brainstorming, writing it all out, light research, prepping materials, zoning out to music, pausing for a few days, and then diving in and finishing—sometimes all in one sitting. It’s unpredictable, but it’s mine—and it works.
Are there any upcoming shows, projects, or experiments you’re excited about?
I’m really excited about the upcoming Gala—it’s coming up fast, and I keep telling everyone I feel like I’m going to the MET Gala! I’m just super pumped for it. As for projects, I’m looking forward to creating more fashion wearable art and diving deeper into photography. Photography, especially, has become my favorite way to decompress and relax my mind—it’s my creative escape.
Where can people follow your work or support you?
To follow and support my work, you can find me on Instagram and Facebook at @DeJiiva.
How can people follow your work or support you? (Social media handles, website links)
You can find my art on Facebook, and instagram under - Once Upon a Time art line.
Is there a message or theme that keeps showing up in your work, even when you don’t plan it?
One of the best reactions and compliments I’ve ever received about my artwork happened during our Class of 2024 senior exhibition. Someone approached me and asked, “How would you like to do your own solo show?” I think that’s one of the highest compliments you can receive—especially in a group exhibition setting. It showed me that my work stood out and truly resonated with someone.
What’s something you wish you could tell your younger artist self — or another emerging creator?
Art matters in the world today because it gives people a creative voice and a way to speak on issues—whether personal or universal. It offers both artists and audiences a platform to experience one another, different places, and deep emotions through something that may not speak like we do, but carries a thousand words all the same.
What’s something about your process or style that people might not notice at first glance?
A moment when art changed my perspective was when I created my sculptural piece Diva Diaries, a four-tier faux cake that explores different layers of womanhood—beauty, feminism, rights, even things like “girl math.” It was the first time I created something explicitly feminist, and it surprised me because, as a woman, that subject is naturally close to me. The frustration of not being able to bake the perfect cake became the push to make one sculpturally—and that project became a platform to celebrate and reflect on the complexity of being a woman. That moment shifted my approach to art. It made me stop trying to create work just to meet expectations or please professors. Around that same time, I also began exploring my culture more openly in my Girls on Da Block series. When I was asked whether the imagery might reinforce stereotypes, I realized I didn’t need to “whitesplain” my perspective. My work reflects my culture, my experience, and how I see beauty and power. That experience pushed me to stand more firmly in my voice and trust that those who connect with it, will.
What influences — artistic, cultural, or personal — shape your work the most?
My work is influenced by a mix of personal memories, cultural identity, and the styles I grew up around. My mom’s stories and ’90s to early 2000s R&B and hip-hop fashion have shaped how I view beauty, style, and storytelling. I’m inspired by themes of Afrocentric identity, feminism, nostalgia, and societal issues—especially how they intersect with personal experience. I’m also deeply inspired by color itself—the way it can hold emotion, energy, and meaning in a piece. Music plays a big role in my process too—old-school tracks help me focus and bring emotion into what I create.
How do you push past creative blocks?
“When she tilts her head right, holds still with a soft smile and eyes near tears—that’s when you’ll know… you’re done.”
What other mediums, tools, or skills are you currently exploring?
There are many artists I admire, including Mickalene Thomas, Chris Ofili, and Wangechi Mutu, to name a few. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Nick Cave. He introduced me to the world of wearable art, and I’ll never forget the moment I first saw his work on a presentation slide. Even more unforgettable was the day I experienced his art in person—a total shock and surprise. It was completely surreal!
