Chanelle René: Contemporary Figurative Painter and Mural Artist

Chanelle René is a New Jersey-based contemporary figurative painter and mural artist who explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging through soulful visual storytelling. Working from her studio in Cape May County, Chanelle René creates vivid, emotional compositions that blend abstract-realism with jewel-tone palettes. Her practice is deeply rooted in reclaiming spaces and celebrating self-essence, particularly through the lens of Black culture and female experience. One of her most acclaimed bodies of work, the Grant Street Beach series, captures moments of joy and nostalgia on Cape May’s historic Black beach, drawing from family photographs to bridge generational stories. Transitioning to a professional art career in 2020 after two decades in communications and marketing, Chanelle René has quickly established herself in the public art sphere. Her large-scale murals can be found throughout Southern New Jersey, including Atlantic and Cumberland counties, where she collaborates with community organizations to amplify local voices. Notable projects include partnerships with the National Hockey League, the New Jersey Devils, and the Smithsonian Institute. Chanelle René’s versatility as an artist is evident in her use of oil, acrylic, spray paint, and mixed media to create both intimate canvases and expansive public installations. Her award-winning work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, inviting viewers into deeper reflection on their own histories and environments.