Delisha
Delisha McKinney (b. 1986, Chicago) is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist working in painting, soft sculpture, cut-paper illustration, murals and installation. Shaped by a childhood of sheltered exploration and a passion for tactile storytelling, her work blends bold colors, symbolic imagery, and layered narratives to evoke a sense of curiosity and emotional depth.
Growing up in a military household, Delisha developed an early love for creative expression, exploring various artistic mediums such as fiber arts, ceramics, photography, and relief sculpture.
Her practice is influenced by music, which shapes the mood and emotional tone of her pieces, allowing her work to feel both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Delisha's paintings and mixed-media pieces often explore themes of childhood, nostalgia, resilience, and the unseen forces that shape our experiences. With an eye toward film production, she aspires to bring her stories to life on an even larger scale, crafting immersive visual narratives that engage and inspire.
Through continuous exploration and innovation, Delisha invites audiences to step into her imaginative world… one that bridges the past, present, and future through color, texture, and storytelling.

CV- Exhibitions

2024
The Other Art Fair
2024
Chicago Collage Community
2024
Pilsen Community Art House
2025
Fifth City Commons
2025
Museum of Contemporary Art
2024
The Other Art Fair
2023
Butter Art Fair
2023
Thinkspace Project Space
2022
Vertical Gallery
2022
Elephant Room Gallery
2022
Arrticles Gallery
2022
Frame Chicago
2021
Vertical Gallery
Project Space
2021
Elephant Room Gallery
Artist Residency - Chicago IL
Fifth City Common/ P.O.A.H - “Higher Learning” - Mural Installation - Fifth Ave & Kenzie St. - Chicago, IL.
Englewood Art Collective- Group Exhibition- Ravenswood - Chicago, IL.
“Play as Art” exhibition and workshop- Group Exhibition - Evanston IL
“Home Not Home” writers/ artist collab- Group Exhibition - Chicago IL
The Other Art Fair w/ Englewood Art Collective- Group Exhibition- Chicago IL
Butter Art Fair- 2nd Year Anniversary- Group Exhibition- Indianapolis IN
“Sweet Dreams & Beautiful Nightmares” Solo Exhibition- L.A., CA.
Miami Scope Art Basel - Group Exhibition- Miami, FL.
“The Madonna Series” Exhibition- Chicago, IL.
“Fly Hero” - Delisha McKinney Figure Release - Chicago, IL.
“Party With Me” - Delisha McKinney Print Release - Chicago, IL.
“Atomic #13” - Group Exhibition- Chicago, IL
“The Never Ends" - Solo Show -Chicago, IL.



