By: Natisha Jordan aka Benu Ma’at | Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC
The opening reception of the Shifting Seasons Group Exhibition was more than an art event—it was a moment of transformation. Standing beside my vibrant works—Waves of Emotion, Floral Blaze, Shadow Dance, and Rhythm of Shadows—I wore a black and grey turtleneck sweater with black dress pants. My attire was intentional: a visual representation of the grounded professionalism of Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC, and a quiet contrast to the expressive energy of my paintings.
This exhibition marked the public debut of Wisdom Born Designs, the artistic arm of my company. Through this platform, I explore the power of abstract art to tell stories, evoke emotion, and foster healing. Each brushstroke is a reflection of lived experience, cultural memory, and the resilience of communities often overlooked.
But this moment was also deeply personal. For the first time, I stood fully in my truth—not just as a consultant, strategist, or advocate—but as an artist. Owning my identity as an artist means embracing the vulnerability, the vision, and the voice that art demands. It means honoring the creative force that has always been within me, even when it was quiet, waiting for the right time to speak.
The reception was a celebration of transformation. I connected with fellow artists, community members, and supporters who resonated with the themes of movement, emotion, and identity woven into my work. The conversations sparked that night affirmed the importance of integrating art into our broader efforts for social change, education, and community empowerment.
As someone deeply rooted in equity and justice, I’ve long believed that art is a tool for liberation. Through Wisdom Born Designs, I’m committed to creating spaces where creativity and advocacy intersect—where color and canvas become catalysts for dialogue, healing, and action.
Highlights for the Shifting Seasons Opening Night Reception at JCAL, Queens NYC
🗓️ Visit the Exhibition
The Shifting Seasons Group Exhibition is still open to the public through November 28, 2025, at the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning. If you haven’t had a chance to experience the show, I invite you to visit and immerse yourself in the vibrant expressions of transformation and resilience.
📍 Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning 📅 Now through November 28, 2025 🎨 Featuring works from the Abstract in Color: Voices on Canvas and Art Is Life collections
✨ Let’s Stay Connected
Follow the journey of Wisdom Born Designs and explore how art and consulting can work together to uplift communities.
What shapes who we are? Our roots, our stories, and the places we call home all play a part in the art of becoming. The “Where We From” group exhibition, curated by Brooklyn Art Cave in collaboration with 88Events NYC, was more than just an art show—it became a celebration of identity, creativity, and community. By exploring how our origins influenced our visions, the event inspired and connected attendees on a deeply personal level.
As if that weren’t enough, the exhibition also unveiled the highly anticipated 2025 Abstract Art Collection from Wisdom Born Designs, led by the innovative Creative Director, Benu Ma’at. This debut pushed creative boundaries and showcased a unique blend of artistry and design.
Featuring a stunning lineup of diverse talent—from visual arts to live performances—the event invited everyone to experience the power of storytelling in all its forms. With every brushstroke, melody, and design, guests were reminded of the beautiful complexities that come with answering one profound question: where are we from?
Read on as we revisit everything this vibrant exhibition offered, from its standout artists to the creative minds behind the scenes. There was truly so much to experience!
Event Highlights
The “Where We From” group exhibition was a dazzling celebration of art, music, and community, held from August 1st to August 3rd. Sponsored by Zakuska Vodka and Netali, this event brought together creators and audiences to honor the profound ways our origins shape our identities.
A Symphony of Performances
The stage came alive with unforgettable live performances by the soulful Ra Lé Bu (@igotmyguitar), whose melodic guitar captivated hearts, and the vibrant rhythms of Sunshine Music (@sunshinemusic143), injecting the venue with pure energy. Both acts delivered a powerful reminder of the universal language of music and its ability to move and inspire.
Spotlight on the Artists
The “Where We From Group” exhibition was a vibrant celebration of creativity, identity, and heritage, showcasing an extraordinary roster of talented artists whose works spanned diverse mediums. From breathtaking visual arts to innovative digital installations, each artist brought their own unique perspective, creating a communal experience of reflection and inspiration. With such immense talent on display, the exhibition offered an unparalleled opportunity for audiences to connect with these creators and their stories.
A Diverse Array of Talent
Dominique Samarco (@dominiquesamarco) captivated audiences with her evocative visual narratives, intricately blending textures and compositions that invited viewers to explore themes of identity and belonging. Will Kaiser (@will_kaiser_art) and Eric Hagan (@Eric_hagan_art) contributed striking pieces that challenged traditional boundaries, reflecting their own deep ties to heritage.
Creative Director Benu (@wisdombornnj29) of Wisdom Born Designs presented thought-provoking abstract works that seamlessly combined acrylic and mixed media on canvas, a testament to their storytelling ability through art. Renee Daley (@zenassidyphotography) provided a dynamic perspective with her photography, capturing raw, emotional moments that spoke to resilience and human connection.
Artists like Chunhan Chen (@c.c.film) and Dui Jarrod (@duijarrod) brought innovative digital art and multimedia displays, bridging advanced technology with storytelling to craft unique, immersive experiences. Jamahl Cunningham (@TattoosAndPaint) and Alton Anthony (@alton.anthony) showcased pieces that pushed creative boundaries while exploring themes of history and progress. Ana Núñez Román (@artbyanagabriela) enchanted viewers with her vibrant abstractions, blending traditional and contemporary influences.
A Spectrum of Creative Voices
Other talented contributors included LM (@Rainbowsinclouds77), whose vibrant, imaginative works left lasting impressions, and Ashton (@ashton.herres), whose dynamic pieces embodied self-expression. Blondimom8184 (@blondimom8184_photos) and Matt Hopen (@matthopen) captured awe-inspiring moments through their distinctive photography styles, while Oleksandra Korolenko (@alex.aero.pro) and Rim the artist (@rim_the_artist) pushed artistic boundaries with his detailed and immersive works.
Grampa Baby (@grampa.baby) and Olivia Goode (@ogtheexplorer) offered fresh perspectives through bold, exploratory pieces, while 876 Studiio (@876.studiio) and Maëlis Tomassone (@maaesart) enriched the exhibition with their nuanced, story-driven creations. Finally, Zanib Ahmad (@zafrombk) left a profound impression through powerful works that beautifully represented heritage.
A Celebration of Identity and Connection
What made this exhibition truly remarkable was the way each artist embraced the theme of “Where We From.” Their artworks reflected deeply personal stories while resonating universally, offering attendees a collective yet individual exploration of origins and belonging. By showcasing such a diverse array of voices and mediums, the exhibition fostered a dynamic dialogue that united creators and audiences alike.
This gathering of exceptional talent provided something for every art lover, and it also created an opportunity to follow and support these artists in their creative journeys. Be sure to explore their Instagram profiles to stay connected with their incredible work and continue celebrating the boundless possibilities of art.
A Celebration of Collaboration
With installations by Alex – @88events.nyc and multimedia elements crafted by Adriana and Adam Hada, and event host community curator Winkie – @winkie_da_kidd and photography by Caroline – @caroline_alarcon_loorthe, the event embodied the spirit of teamwork. Brooklyn Art Cave successfully created an environment that united creators from diverse backgrounds.
This unforgettable showcase of artistry and unity was a vibrant reminder of how shared experiences and individual perspectives converge to form powerful connections. The “Where We From” group exhibition wasn’t just an event—it was a movement celebrating creativity, identity, and community.
Spotlight on Wisdom Born Designs
The excitement at the “Where We From” group exhibition was elevated by the debut of the 2025 Abstract Art Collection from Wisdom Born Designs. Under the creative direction of Benu Ma’at, this series featured four captivating works—abstract acrylic and mixed media pieces on canvas—each thoughtfully crafted to explore themes of identity, heritage, and personal evolution.
A Vision Rooted in Heritage
Benu’s approach to the 2025 collection was deeply personal. Each artwork told its own story, weaving together fragments of memory, culture, and lived experience. Through a dynamic blend of vibrant colors, layered textures, and bold abstraction, Benu captured the complexity of what it means to honor one’s origins while looking ahead.
Themes That Resonate
The collection invited viewers to reflect on the ideas of belonging, transformation, and resilience. The abstract forms and innovative use of mixed media evoked emotional responses, sparking conversations about the many ways identity can be expressed without words. Rather than depicting literal scenes, the works encouraged interpretation, allowing each audience member to see reflections of their own journey in the colors and forms.
A Memorable Debut
Attendees were drawn in by the raw energy and thoughtfulness in each canvas. The debut of these four artworks was met with enthusiastic praise, as visitors appreciated both the technical skill and the meaningful exploration of self that ran through the collection. The pieces resonated with viewers, creating space for connection and dialogue about culture, growth, and creative expression.
Setting the Standard for the Future
With this collection, Wisdom Born Designs reaffirmed its commitment to meaningful, identity-driven art. Benu’s unique talent for channeling heritage through abstract forms stood out as a highlight of the exhibition, reminding all who witnessed it that art remains a powerful bridge between past and future, self and community. This debut was not only a milestone for Wisdom Born Designs but also a testament to the unifying force of abstract art.
Meet Benu Ma’at
At the heart of Wisdom Born Designs is Benu, a visionary artist and the Creative Director whose work played a pivotal role in the recent “Where We From” group exhibition. Known for her simplistic, yet innovative approach to abstract art, Benu weaves identity, heritage, and creativity into every brushstroke, offering audiences pieces that are as thought-provoking as they are visually stunning.
An Artistic Philosophy Rooted in Identity
Benu’s philosophy centers on exploring the complexities of identity and the stories that shape us. Through the mediums of abstract acrylic and mixed media on canvas, her art becomes a window into the layered experiences of cultural heritage, personal growth, and universal connection. Each piece invites viewers to pause, reflect, and engage with themes that resonate on both an individual and collective level.
Abstract Art That Speaks Volumes
For the “Where We From” group exhibition, Benu introduced a collection of four captivating works that demonstrated her mastery of color, texture, and form. These abstract pieces featured intricate techniques and bold compositions that drew the audience into a dialogue between tradition and modernity. Her ability to blend tactile materials with fluid acrylic strokes resulted in artworks that felt alive—immersive canvases brimming with emotion and narrative depth.
Themes of Heritage and Innovation
Benu’s contributions to the exhibition perfectly aligned with its overarching theme of origins and identity. Through their abstract art, they celebrated the richness of history while pushing boundaries with innovative techniques. This seamless blend of old and new not only honored heritage but also challenged traditional notions of artistic expression. It served as a testament to the enduring impact of our roots while inspiring viewers to envision new possibilities for the future.
A Lasting Impression
Benu’s presence at the “Where We From” group exhibition wasn’t just about showcasing art—it was about creating connections. Her works served as a bridge, uniting diverse audiences through shared themes that encouraged introspection and dialogue. For many, the experience of encountering Benu’s art was as much about feeling as it was about seeing, a reminder of the power visual storytelling holds in shaping our understanding of ourselves and each other.
With her commanding vision and the ability to bring her own unique style of abstract concepts to life on canvas, Benu continues to establish herself not just as an artist but as a storyteller. Her work at the “Where We From” group exhibition set a high standard for innovation and emotional richness, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of experiencing it.
Conclusion
The “Where We From Group” exhibition was an extraordinary celebration of identity, heritage, and creativity. From the powerful debut of Wisdom Born Designs’ 2025 Abstract Art Collection to the stunning array of artwork contributed by a diverse lineup of artists, the event brought audiences on a reflective and inspiring journey. Each piece, whether abstract acrylic, photography, mixed media, or digital art, carried the unique stories and experiences of its creator, weaving a vibrant mosaic that reminded us all of the importance of where we come from.
Beyond the art, this exhibition left an indelible mark by fostering meaningful connections and sparking conversations about our roots and how they shape us. It was more than just a showcase of talent—it was a powerful call to celebrate diversity and explore our shared and individual identities.
Take a moment to consider your own origins and the stories they hold. How do they shape your creativity, perspective, or path forward? The “Where We From” group exhibition showed us that by honoring our roots, we can discover boundless potential for art, connection, and growth. Keep exploring, reflecting, and creating—you might be surprised by where it leads you.
Wisdom Born Designs was created with the belief that art and culture are the heartbeat of thriving communities. They connect individuals, foster a sense of belonging, and inspire collective action. In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, nurturing local artistic expressions and cultural heritage is more important than ever. Let’s explore how art and culture drive meaningful community engagement, the benefits they bring, and actionable ways to amplify their impact.
1. Strengthening Connections and Community Identity
Art and culture provide a canvas for individuals to share their stories and celebrate their identities. From community murals to cultural festivals, these shared experiences bring people together, creating bonds that transcend differences. By fostering a sense of belonging, art and culture help communities build stronger, more unified identities.
2. Inspiring Participation and Civic Action
Engaging in cultural activities often sparks a deeper connection to one’s community. Whether it’s volunteering at a local art event, attending public forums, or advocating for social causes, the arts have a unique way of inspiring civic participation. Cultural initiatives often shine a light on pressing social issues, motivating individuals to take action and collaborate for positive change.
3. Promoting Mental Health and Collective Well-Being
Art has the power to heal. Creative expression reduces stress, enhances mental health, and provides a sense of purpose. Communities that prioritize art and culture create safe spaces where individuals can share their stories, find support, and connect with others. This collective engagement fosters resilience and improves overall community well-being.
4. Driving Economic Growth and Revitalization
Investing in art and culture isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for the economy. Cultural events attract visitors, boost tourism, and create jobs in creative industries. Vibrant arts scenes can transform underutilized spaces into thriving hubs of activity, increasing property values and encouraging local businesses to flourish.
5. Creating Educational Pathways and Lifelong Learning
Art and culture are powerful tools for education. Workshops, classes, and cultural programs spark creativity while teaching valuable skills. By engaging with local artists and cultural leaders, community members can explore their heritage, understand historical contexts, and address contemporary challenges. This commitment to lifelong learning cultivates informed, engaged citizens.
6. Celebrating Diversity and Building Inclusivity
Art and culture act as bridges, connecting diverse groups within a community. By celebrating different traditions, languages, and art forms, communities can foster dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect. Inclusive cultural initiatives ensure that every voice is heard, creating a harmonious environment where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated.
Conclusion
Art and culture are more than just expressions—they are catalysts for connection, growth, and transformation. At Wisdom Born Consulting, we champion the power of the arts to build resilient, inclusive, and thriving communities. By investing in local cultural initiatives, we can create spaces where creativity flourishes, individuals feel empowered, and collective identities are strengthened.
Let’s work together to nurture the artistic spirit within our communities. Through these shared expressions, we discover our common humanity and unlock the potential for meaningful change.
