We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dunnie Onasanya a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dunnie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’ve learned that you’ve recently announced 2 new Artist Residency partnerships, Can you please share more details about these opportunities and what we can expect to see in this season of your practice?

Yes absolutely the first is with Modern Contempo Luxury Furniture Gallery. We’ve formed a dynamic new collaboration with an exclusive Artist in Residence partnership.

We have amazing things in the works and to start things off I’m thrilled to share that 9 of my original works are now installed in the flagship location showroom in Bethesda MD and are available for purchase both in-store and online, marking a bold new chapter where fine art and luxury interiors intersect. These striking abstract expressionist pieces with several featuring gold leaf and glass embellishments bring depth and elevated sophistication to any space. Each canvas is a journey through feeling, reflection, and visual poetry.

The second is with the Morrow Hotel in Washington DC ( NoMa Arts District) where as the Artist in Residence I am presenting my “Elevation Paint & Sip: Art of Inner Peace” Summer Event Series.

This three-part experience is open to the public & scheduled for every second Saturday of the summer months blending themed guided abstract painting projects with immersive sound bath experiences, designed to create space for community connection, creative release, and emotional wellness. Tickets are available for purchase on a first come first serve basis and capacity is limited.

These sessions are perfect for those seeking both tranquility and artistic inspiration, this event will help you explore fluidity and creativity in a supportive environment.

Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on to date is The Great Eight exhibition a show I curated at the Viceroy Hotel in Washington, D.C., during my time as Artist in Residence there. This exhibition featured myself alongside seven other dynamic contemporary Black artists and was intentionally launched during Black History Month to celebrate and amplify Black creative voices.

What made this project particularly significant was its impact and context. As an Associate Artist with VisArts in Rockville, Maryland, I’m deeply invested in community-driven, inclusive artistic programming. The Great Eight was not only a reflection of that commitment, but also an opportunity to create visibility and awareness around the work of living Black artists in a space that welcomed a broad, public audience.

This exhibition wasn’t just about showcasing talent—it was about creating a dialogue. It highlighted the diversity, nuance, and excellence of contemporary Black art while also addressing the importance of representation in both institutional and commercial spaces. Curating this show at the Viceroy allowed me to bring together a collective of artists whose work speaks to history, identity, and cultural continuity in fresh and compelling ways.

The response to The Great Eight underscored how essential it is to invest in living artists and to center exhibitions that reflect the world we live in. The project has had a lasting impact on how I think about curatorial practice, collaboration, and the power of creating space for visibility and celebration.

Dunnie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Dunnie Onasanya, also known as Dunnie The Artist. I’m a visual artist whose work is rooted in purpose, symbolism, and the power of transformation. My journey into art wasn’t something I planned; It was something I was called into. Art became a space for me to reflect, to process, and ultimately to heal. Over time, I realized that what was once personal could also be impactful for others.

My practice is deeply intentional. I create pieces that are more than just visuals. They are affirmations. Each work is a reflection of faith, a reminder of purpose, and an offering of hope. I believe that art has the capacity to heal, to inspire, and to transform the spirit. That realization shapes everything I do and is the core essence of who I am as mother, creator & woman of faith.

Symbolism is central in my work. I use it to communicate deeper truths about identity, growth, alignment, and divine timing. Whether it’s through the use of color, form, or metaphor, every element is designed to speak to the heart. My goal is for people to not just see the work, but to feel it to experience a sense of peace, clarity, or reassurance that affirms their own journey and connection to something greater.

What sets my work apart is the spiritual foundation it’s built on. My art is an extension of my beliefs and a reflection of my commitment to being a alchemist. My beautiful daughters Zion and Maya are my greatest sources of joy & inspiration. They are my masterclass in unconditional love and I create from a place of deep alignment with God’s purpose for my life. I want my work to encourage others to walk boldly in their own purpose too.

I’m most proud of the way my art reaches people in meaningful, sometimes even life-changing ways. I’ve had the honor of hearing how a single piece offered someone comfort during a hard time or gave them the courage to pursue something they were afraid to. That’s the power of art rooted in truth. It meets people where they are and reminds them of who they are becoming.

For anyone encountering my work; whether for the first time or as a longtime collector I want them to know that every piece is created with care, prayer, and purpose. My mission is to create art that heals, inspires, and transforms. And I hope that when people engage with what I create, they’re reminded of the light within them and the divine path they’re meant to walk.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist and especially of teaching art at VisArts faculty instructor is witnessing transformation. It’s in that moment when a student who doubted their abilities suddenly creates something that surprises even themselves. It’s the spark in their eyes when they realize that their voice matters, that their story can live on canvas, in clay, or through movement and color.

Art has always been a way to process the world around me and within me. But teaching it brings a deeper fulfillment because I’m not just creating, I’m helping others find their creative voice. At VisArts, I’m surrounded by a community that thrives on expression and connection, and being part of that energy is profoundly life-giving.

Every time I’m entrusted to teach there is always something profound about guiding & watching people connect with their inner worlds. It’s in those quiet, powerful exchanges that I find the deepest sense of purpose.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The mission that drives my creative journey is to bring love, joy and light to the world with my gift of artistry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.dunnietheartist.com
• Instagram: @dunnieo & @dunnietheartist
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dunnie-the-artist-onasanya-876766189

Image Credits

Gilda Safowaa
Fif Wilson
Christian Lilakos
Mario Mineros
Kunle Olafisoye
Abdul Amoz