If you’re like me, then you have a problem: there’s so much good art on Instagram, and only so many hours in the day to mindlessly scroll through it. But despite refreshing in vain, sometimes your Instagram feed can’t keep with your appetite for new eye candy. Or on the other hand, maybe you’re tired of the same three photographers you’ve been following ever since you started your account, and you’d like to branch out.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of my favorite artists and designers on the ‘Gram for you. Some are Bay Area locals, others not so much. You get to enjoy some pretty pictures, and I get to geek out about indie artists for my job. Everyone wins!
N. O. BONZO
@nobonzo’s illustrations depict female bodies in powerful, striking portraits. Her art often incorporates the natural world, and occasionally political themes.
BiP
@bip_graffiti is an anonymous artist who paints awesome public murals. Last year, BiP completed this mural, below, on a building across the street from Youth Radio’s downtown Oakland headquarters. (Even though a construction project is now blocking the mural, I’ll always know it’s there…)
MADOW FUTUR
@madowfutur designs quintessentially Oakland urban apparel. The brand is run by Senay Alkebu-Lan (who happens to be a Youth Radio alum). From celebrities at movie premieres to protesters in the streets, it seems like Alkebu-Lan’s clothing line has been spotted just about everywhere. Follow not only for the fashion, but the beautiful modeling, too.
JOEY COLOMBO
@jdotcolombo, also known as Joey Colombo, is an Oakland-based mixed media artist. To make his collages, he cuts up real currency, including hundred dollar bills, and meticulously arranges the pieces into trippy patterns and portraits.
HEIDI ANNALISE
@heidi.annalise.art is based out of Colorado, and she paints tiny, colorful landscapes inside of little tin containers! Doesn’t it make you want to take a hike?
BRACKMETAL
@brackmetal’s ink drawings are like a portal into an edgy cyberpunk fantasy world. Gerald Leung, the artist, packs so much detail into his characters that they ripple with life and personality.