Alaiyla Grady: Checker

Alaiyla Grady (she/her)

Checker

2026

12” x 12”

Acrylic on wood

"This painting is what I'd call an exploration. When you see all these shades of patterned blue, it looks like a road or a checkerboard. I want you to get the feeling that it’s endless. It’s meant to give a looming, ominous feeling of uncertainty. I want people to think to themselves, “what is this painting trying to portray?” I want people to feel the confusion of this painting. Could it be a memory? A vision? Maybe an opening? This painting is a form of an emotion you can’t quite define."

Bio: 

Alaiyla Grady was born in 2010 and is a mixed media artist living in New York City. She has been drawing for 6 years, art becoming her “thing” during covid. She picked up a pencil and piece of paper, and was instantly hooked. She mostly explores abstract pattern paintings and drawings, while exploring graffiti on the side as well. After being recommended to AFH from a past job, Alaiyla joined the NYC Painting Studio, and decided this was the place for her.

Artist Statement:

"I like to create abstract work, using patterns and wavy lines as a way to express emotions through a painting. I start by brainstorming what approach of patternmaking I am feeling most drawn to at the moment. I fully let my mind control what happens on the paper depending on what mood I am in, to determine what lines I'm going to make. I am inspired by this approach because not only can you express yourself through a painting, you can also create a visual of a feeling, thought or emotion that others can sense. I feel that my style of painting embodies this emotional sense, and I am always looking for this quality when I look at other people's paintings."