05/16/2025
Bikila Shanan – Visual Artist & Curator
From an early age, Bikila Shanan’s artistic journey was shaped by a rich legacy of creativity. Her father, Barrett Schley, an accomplished artist, earned a rare full visual arts scholarship to Cheney State University in the 1970s—an achievement that underscored the depth of artistic talent running in their family. While her natural ability came from her father, her mother played a pivotal role in nurturing her skills by enrolling her in various art programs.
By her teenage years, Bikila’s passion for art was undeniable. At just 15, she designed a program for her church, an early testament to her artistic versatility. That same year, she was selected to participate in an esteemed art program at the Atlanta College of Art. In her senior year of high school, she showcased her ability to blend performance and visual art by painting a self-portrait to Bob Marley’s Redemption Song in just 3 minutes and 10 seconds—a moment that foreshadowed her distinctive, expressive style.
As Atlanta’s underground music and arts scene flourished from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, Bikila became deeply involved in this cultural renaissance. As a featured artist with the Funk Jazz Kafé Arts and Music Festival for two years, she gained broader recognition and was propelled into the mainstream art community. Facing challenges in securing gallery representation, Bikila and a collective of fellow artists took matters into their own hands, founding Visual Ascendency, an independent exhibition at the Arts Exchange of Atlanta. This initiative marked the beginning of her curatorial work, leading to solo exhibitions and collaborations with various art shows.
Beyond her work as a painter and curator, Bikila has developed a keen ability to turn customers into lifelong collectors by fostering personable relationships with art enthusiasts. She has built a strong client base that includes business owners, civic leaders, and Georgia icons—solidifying her presence as a respected figure in the art world. Her ability to connect with collectors and cultivate appreciation for her work has been instrumental in expanding her reach.
In addition to managing airbrush studios, galleries, and creative spaces, Bikila continues to elevate her artistic vision through her latest series, Old Atlanta—a tribute to the city’s cultural evolution and heritage.
