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Sharika Mahdi is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees in communications at Louisiana State University. Mahdi was always an artist at heart and was actively involved with the Young Aspirations Young Artists (YA/YA) Arts Center during her teenage years. Pursuant to college she worked in communications and continued to build her art legacy.
Career
editSharika Mahdi is an established mid-career artist renowned for her vibrant and expressive artworks. She began teaching art as her success as an artist grew. Her artistic prowess garnered the attention of major organizations and led to several significant commissions. In 2013, the NFL Super Bowl Committee selected her to create an oversized football sculpture for the Super Bowl. This sculpture continues to be displayed as public art in a New Orleans Park.
In 2024, Mahdi achieved a historic milestone by creating four commissions from Disney to inspire imagineers for the Princess and the Frog-themed attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure based on The Princess and the Frog movie set to open at their theme parks June 28, 2024. Her contributions have not only been recognized by corporate entities but also by private collectors including the late Dr. Maya Angelou and Renee Goldsberry as well as other collectors.
Exhibitions and Recognition
editMahdi has held numerous exhibitions both solo and in groups. In 2013, she hosted her solo exhibition "RePurposing NOLA Gallery" in New Orleans. Her works have been featured in various group shows at M Gallery, such as "A Joyful Life Exhibit" and "Celebrating Sisters." The New Orleans Museum of Art included her works in the exhibition "Reparation: A Collection of Contemporary Artists."
Internationally, her art has been exhibited in cities including Cologne, New York, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, and Rome. In 2024, her acrylic works and a commissioned football were displayed at the Los Angeles Art Show, and she held a solo exhibition titled "A Colorful Journey Through Whimsical Brushstrokes" at the E.K. Gallery in Los Angeles. She has also hosted Artist Talks and shows throughout the country.
Mahdi has also participated in educational art projects like the Dream Chair Art Exhibit & Workshop in Emeryville, California, where she created captivating non-wall art. Her recognition includes being named an Emerging Artist at the Atlanta Jazz Festival and receiving the Emerging Artist Award by Essence Marketplace.
Personal Life
editMahdi continues to reside in New Orleans, where she is deeply involved in the local art scene and educational initiatives.
External Links to Articles Written about Sharika Mahdi https://www.fox8live.com/2023/05/05/disney-commissions-new-orleans-artist-tianas-bayou-adventure-ride/ https://wavepublication.com/new-orleans-artist-brings-work-to-solo-l-a-exhibit/ https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/blogs/news/meet-5-black-women-behind-disneys-new-princess-the-frog-inspired-attraction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekCP_ZzUL1s https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/disney-tianas-bayou-adventure/ https://wgno.com/news/new-orleans-artist-commissioned-to-bring-tianas-bayou-adventure-to-life-for-disney/ https://insidethemagic.net/2023/05/disney-commissioned-new-orleans-artist-teacher-for-splash-mountain-replacement-concept-art-tiana-bayou-adventure-princess-and-the-frog-jh1/ https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/08/tianas-bayou-adventure-a-new-orleans-artists-interpretation/ https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/tianas-bayou-adventure-opening-date/