Janelle Washington is a self-taught paper-cut artist from Virginia. She graduated from VCU with a BFA in Fashion Design and afterward found interest in paper cutting. Her artwork explores themes of history, identity, and beauty in African American culture. 
 
Through the simplicity of paper, Janelle creates images that showcase African Americans’ courage, achievements, and grace in difficult situations. Paper reminds her of her ancestors, how from humble beginnings, a transformation can take place, creating something extraordinary. She creates patterns, symbols, and silhouettes that work simultaneously to construct a multifaceted design through positive and negative spaces. Her paper cuts retell a story of the past to current and future generations by adding a present-day perspective of empowerment and reflection. 
 
  She has commissioned silhouettes housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, DC, and art at the historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia. Janelle's first illustrated book, written by author Angela Joy, will come out in Fall 2022. In addition, her silhouette of Breonna Taylor with the #SayHerName campaign was featured in the Oprah magazine September 2020 issue. She is also a member of The Guild of American Papercutters.

Photo Taken by  Class and Style Productions

Press & News

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Richmond Times-Dispatch: read more

VCU  Arts/ VCU News: read more

Angela Joy: read more

St. Paul's: watch video/read more

Fuse 8: read more

Fitzgerald Fine Arts: read more

Women You Should Know interview: read more

Book/Print Collective: read more

ArtNet: read more

SuperSelected: read more

Downing-Gross: read more

Art Impact: read more

Publick Playhouse: read more

American Craft Council: read more

ArtCentron: read more

Ikouii: read more

Paper Cut Artist around the World: read more

Aphrochic: read more