Today we’d like to introduce you to Karimah Wray
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Karimah Wray, and I was raised in Jamaica, where creativity was always a part of my life. From an early age, I was drawn to artistic expression—whether through drawing or singing. Art felt like an innate part of me, something I instinctively understood. As I grew older, I nurtured this passion, refining my skills throughout high school in Dubai. Being immersed in such a diverse cultural environment deeply influenced my artistic perspective, broadening my understanding of identity, movement, and storytelling. My art teachers recognized my potential and played a pivotal role in helping me develop my creative voice, encouraging me to push boundaries and explore new techniques.
However, after high school, I found myself stepping away from art. For years, I barely picked up a pencil or brush. Yet, no matter how much time passed, the calling to create never truly faded—an artist is always drawn back to the canvas. That moment arrived when a gallery in Madrid discovered my work on Instagram. At the time, I had just over 100 followers and was initially skeptical, but something urged me to embrace the opportunity. That leap of faith led to my first exhibition in Paris—a childhood dream realized. From there, my journey as an artist took on a life of its own, unfolding in ways I could have never anticipated. Each step reaffirmed my belief that art has a way of finding you, no matter how far you stray from it.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of exhibiting my work internationally, including at Art Basel in Miami, here in Orlando, Milan, and Monaco. Each exhibition has been a testament to the power of persistence and trusting the artistic journey—one that continues to evolve in ways I am excited to explore.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nope! It definitely was not a smooth road. There were plenty of times I questioned my path, especially after high school. My art has always been deeply personal, and during my early twenties, I felt incredibly disconnected from it—and probably from myself at times. Even in college, when I tried minoring in art, I just couldn’t connect.
One of my biggest challenges has been navigating self-doubt and uncertainty. As an artist, you pour so much of yourself into your work, and putting it out into the world can feel vulnerable. Sometimes, you fear that people will pick you apart the way you pick yourself apart. There’s always that lingering thought—will people connect with it? Will they think it’s weird?
Eventually, I had to quiet the noise because the cry to express myself was much louder. Once I let go of the pressure to create for others and focused on creating for myself, I found my way back. My art became a reflection of my inner world, and that authenticity is what ultimately allowed me to connect with others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a visual and digital artist specializing in abstract art, heavily influenced by surrealism and cubism. My work incorporates elements of both traditional and digital mediums—I primarily use oil and acrylic paint, but in the past three years, I’ve also explored digital art. I think my art is known for its dreamlike, abstract compositions that merge surrealist and cubist influences. I like to challenge perception and create pieces that feel both personal and universal. My digital work, in particular, gained recognition when a Madrid-based gallery discovered it and invited me to exhibit. One of my proudest moments was seeing my work exhibited internationally for the first time, especially in Paris. What’s crazy is just days before the gallery reached out to me, I had written down that I wanted to see my art in Paris, Dubai and New York. It just felt like such a full circle moment. It was truly in that moment, where it solidified my confidence as an artist and showed me that my work resonated with people beyond my friends and family. I think what sets me apart is my ability to blend traditional painting techniques with digital art in a way that still feels raw and expressive. My art is deeply personal, yet it speaks to universal emotions and experiences.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy? I love spending time with friends and family, traveling and creating! Connecting and being around people who understand me—whether we’re just hanging out or having deep conversations—always feels grounding. I love traveling—not just for the places but for the perspective it gives me. There’s something about being in a different country that helps me learn more about myself while also getting a glimpse into how other people think and live. Experiencing different cultures and mindsets is my favorite part. When I have a mix of these in my life, that’s when I feel the most alive.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karidoesart_
