Kandy G. Lopez is making waves in the art world with her powerful embroidered portraits on vibrant, colorful mesh. Her work gives visibility to people from historically marginalized communities, using thread and texture to tell deeply human stories.
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Lopez draws on her Afro-Caribbean roots to create art that’s not just visual—it’s personal and cultural. Each embroidered piece is a celebration of style, individuality, and heritage. As noted in her artist statement, “Her works are created out of the necessity to learn something new about her people and culture.” And it shows—every stitch feels intentional.
Lopez has been experimenting with mesh and fiber for nearly a decade, but it wasn’t until her 2021 artist residency at The Hambidge Center in Georgia that the medium became central to her practice. Coming from a painting background, she was already familiar with sparse or minimal backdrops—sometimes just muted cityscapes. So leaving negative space on mesh feels natural in her current work.
At the heart of her embroidered portraits are life-sized figures, often dressed in bold, colorful outfits, gazing directly at the viewer. It’s all about presence and representation. Through layers of thread, Lopez captures not just appearance but emotion—exploring how BIPOC individuals can sometimes “disappear and reappear” within society. These layers of embroidery become metaphors for visibility, resilience, and identity.
The mesh itself also tells a story. Its grid-like structure brings to mind neighborhood maps or urban layouts. Occasionally, she adds painted elements to the mesh—like cityscapes—to deepen the narrative. “I also love the metaphor in transparency, layers, and vulnerability,” Lopez says, emphasizing how the medium supports the message.
More than just visually striking, these embroidered portraits are a form of storytelling. They celebrate individuality while connecting threads of culture, history, and lived experience.
You can see more of Kandy G. Lopez’s work on her website and follow her on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes looks.
