Yanae Bella (Ayana Brady) is a self-taught multimedia artist from the Bronx, NY, with roots in North Carolina and a creative presence across NY and NJ. Working with acrylic, oil, and spray paint on wood and canvas, her work is what she considers prophetic painting. The reimagining of Black and Brown life through affirming, liberatory imagery.

Her art centers themes of identity, youth guardianship, and everyday joy. From boys in fields of flowers to women at rest, her subjects reflect a world where tenderness, authentic happiness, play, and agency are sacred.

Yanae’s work has been shown at Heath Gallery (Harlem), The Corner Gallery (Charlotte) and The Public Theatre(New York). She received the 2020 Pivotal Award and the 2016 Artist Support Grant of Winston-Salem, NC. Bella was the cast appointed resident artist for Alicia Keys’ Broadway show Hell’s Kitchen, providing "Final bow" portraits for departing members. Her work also appeared in Freedom Day, a short film by The Voice finalist Vanessa Ferguson.

As a mother of four Yanae’s art is deeply inspired by love, resilience, protection and visionary hope.