PHOEBE PLOOM
530 West 25th Street, New York, NY
Phoebe Ploom, an African American artist and registered nurse, creates powerful artwork that honors the legacy of African American slavery and celebrates the resilience of Black Americans.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, Ploom began painting seriously in 2011, after completing a master’s in nursing education at Saint Joseph College of Maine.
Using acrylics, oils, and mixed media like fabric and paper, Ploom’s work explores themes of history, heritage, and social justice.
She focuses on depicting the struggles of African American slaves and Black Americans, using vibrant colors and figures to highlight pain and strength.
Inspired by artists such as Picasso, Basquiat, and Bill Traylor, Ploom blends folk art traditions with contemporary expression. As a woman of color, her artwork advocates for racial equality and keeps vital conversations about slavery and racism in the forefront.
Acrylic on canvas with mixed media (print and paper) 19” x 14”
I was born in Philadelphia and spent my formative years across the river in New Jersey.
Although I trained as a nurse, art has always been close to my heart. In 2011, I took paint to canvas and began creating in earnest.
My “heritage” paintings, collections of mixed media, capture the ancestral legacy of slaves and Black people. Simple, whimsical, emotional, and provocative, one might wish to look away, yet at the same time, I strive to draw the viewer in. I work under the philosophy that art informs, art can change, and art can capture life forever.
As a woman of color, much of my artwork reflects the legacy of slavery. I remember the pain on canvas but also celebrate the beauty and resilience of my ancestors. My illustrations pay homage to the common man and the desire we all share—to live our lives in peace, love our family and friends, work, and grow.
