Khaleelah I. L. Harris, (b. 96) is an multidisciplinary artist whose practice considers the principles and theories of literature, interior design, alternative photography processes, and sculpture through textile. Her work reveals The Sacred by layering literary art, decorative art, alternative photography processes, mixed media, and sculpted textile. Additionally, each piece explores concepts such as portals, interiority and domesticity, religion-making along the Black Atlantic, gender and sexuality, and afrofuturism. Harris’ practice is split between Washington, D.C., where she is based, and her home-state of Florida. 

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Janie Flying Around: Exhibition Summary

The inner workings, spiritual strivings, and transformation of Black Women Spiritualists are explored in a vision which layers alternative photography processes, the mixed media collage practice, and literary art to reveal the story of Archival Janie. She is altogether Black Women Spiritualists of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Transitioning from traditional Protestant Christianity to ancestral wisdom and a religion making practice rooted in Africana ways of knowing, the visual language of this autobiographical tale reveals a sacred transitional period. Archival Janie’s exploration of self, practice of self-actualization, and inclination for escapism leads to her lesson on the concept of volition as a means for sustaining her vocational calling by the magical Great Blue Heron. 

This body of work embodies Harris’ exploration of neohoodoo aesthetics, layering her spiritual practice, archival images, pinhole photography, deep blue hues of cyanotype, craft jewels, plants, natural fiber materials, decorative furniture, and faith themed literary art. 

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Solo exhibition, "Janie, Flying Around" opens September 2025 at Hillyer Art

in Washington, D.C. 

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