Tiffanie Anderson’s pieces are true works of art — and her recent work in tribute to Nipsey is a sure standout.
Anderson is a visual artist based in Los Angeles who recently completed a powerful piece of art in homage to the late rapper made almost entirely out of broken glass — a style she has mastered in most of her art. However, perhaps what’s most special about the painting is that Anderson contributed the piece to be auctioned off at the 2019 Wearable Art Gala hosted by Tina Knowles-Lawson and Richard Lawson.
The art was an immediate crowd favorite as it sparked a bidding war between stars Tiffany Haddish, Issa Rae, Tyler Perry and Phylicia Horowitz. Ultimately, Horowitz outbid the others and secured the piece for $101,000. But the best part? All proceeds went to support teen programs at the Lawson’s community-based arts and performance center the WACO Theater.
“When I found it sold for $101,000 I was in complete shock,” Anderson told Blavity. “I get very stressed out during auction, you always want things to go well but this was just so next level, I couldn’t even get up from my seat. I was just happy to help contribute to such an incredible cause.”
Anderson says she was introduced to the WACO Theater and Ms. Tina by her friend Trell Thomas, both of whom are young Black creatives who understand and appreciate the importance of safe spaces for people of color. However, this isn’t Anderson’s first time contributing her work to the gala.
In 2018, her standout piece on Sidney Poitier sparked a bidding war between Blue Ivy and Tyler Perry! Blavity covered the story exclusively.
“Being a top seller at The Wearable Art gala 2 years in a row is very humbling,” she said. “Shining like that in front of so many people I admire and probably couldn’t stop myself from crying in front of if we met is crazy. Anything they need from me at any time I will deliver.”
She added: “A few weeks of hard work in exchange [for] an impact on my community and young people is worth it to me.”
Anderson only began her work as an artist at the age of 20, “not knowing I’d be any good at it,” she said.
“For a long time, it was difficult to sell anything so I knew I had to take it to the next level, so I created a style I hadn’t seen before: Broken glass.”
Anderson said she worked on her Nipsey piece for nearly three weeks. Her process began by drawing out the image, creating the background, painting the image and then meticulously adding glass to it.
“It’s TEDIOUS!” she said, but worth it. “I’m from Los Angeles so for my entire community, [Nipsey’s death] was a gut punch. We have a housing crisis and gentrification in South LA and it pushes residents, especially people of color out. Nipsey did a lot to change that provided opportunity, jobs and support to young people and those in need. He inspires me to work very hard.”
As for what’s next for her?
“More FIRE,” she said. “I just want to keep creating bigger and better pieces and wherever it takes me, so be it.”
You can support her work by checking out her website theprettyartist.com and following her work on IG @theprettyartist.
