Laurie Vaughn’s energetic, painterly, and vibrant canvases incorporate her social activism, cultural consciousness and informed art historical understanding with her unique style of Afro-Expressionism. Vaughn’s strong, gestural brushstrokes and aggressive color pallet evidence the influence of Robert Motherwell and Willem de Kooning, while her use of simplified iconography and rhythmic pattern recalls traditional African textiles, particularly those of the Bakuba people.  Vaughn applies acrylic, enamel, and other mixed mediums to the canvas in large, sweeping movements, creating a dynamic visual drama, which first confronts the viewer with its sheer aesthetic power and subsequently draws him in with topical subject matter.  Vaughn’s most recent works have come to be deeply influenced by spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle and reflect an awakening of consciousness and soulful presence.

Descended from parents actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement, Vaughn has naturally inherited a socially aware spirit which imbues her artwork.  Having lived in New York, Florida, and Ghana, Vaughn exhibits her work internationally.