Khaleelah I. L. Harris is a Cyanotype Printmaker, Black Collagist, and Literary Artist. The newest phase of her practice layers archival images, deep blue hues of the cyanotype printmaking process, oil pastel, Austrian crystals, plants, and natural fibers to present a spiritual netherworld for African descended women in the historical Black Atlantic through mixed media collage. These netherworld collages are the alternative visuals of what occurs in the physical realm, and subjects are spiritual beings engaging in spiritual practices.

Black Women responding to their complex realities.

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Harris’ cyanotype printmaking practice engages the materials and physical objects found in the daily lives of her subjects. These pieces are incorporated to further articulate the narrative she constructs through her literary art. Her collage practice engages ornate material such as Austrian crystals, flower jewelry, and glitter to depict ancestral wisdom, conjure, spiritual fortitude, and beauty. 

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Each piece serves as a visual for Harris’ literary work, which she situates within the literary tradition of African American Folktales and Fables. The title of each piece within a body of work is a line from the poem she created for the show. 

 

Khaleelah has been commissioned to create illustrations for essays in The Guardian, The Atlantic, and more. 

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

in Washington, D.C. 

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