SUNI MULLEN
(b. 1994) Mid City LA, CA
Currently in London, U.K.
Exploring & Researching at The Royal College of Art
Currently in London, U.K.
Exploring & Researching at The Royal College of Art
EDUCATION
M.A. | Contemporary Art Practice | Royal College of Art, London, U.K.
B.F.A | Fine Arts, Painting | Otis College of Art & Design, Playa Vista, CA
A.S.-T | Early Childhood Development | Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, CA
B.F.A | Fine Arts, Painting | Otis College of Art & Design, Playa Vista, CA
A.S.-T | Early Childhood Development | Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, CA
SUNI MULLEN is a contemporary multi-disciplinary artist working towards liberating her mind from the shackles of white mythic projections while simultaneously utilizing it as a playground. MULLEN challenges the ways in which people receive and convey information, asserting her right to tell her story, how she wants to tell it. Memes of social-cultural references are used to bridge conversational gaps with the aim of creating a sense of connection through social, racial, class, and cultural understanding. Rebelling against proposed static masters, Mullen makes room for innovative ideas, experimental thoughts, and radical practices. SUNI extends strategies to commune globally by connecting virtually, spiritually, emotionally, culturally, and in human form.
She graduated from Otis College of Art and Design, earning a Fine Arts degree in Painting. Currently, she is pursuing her post-graduate degree from the Royal College of Art in Contemporary Art Practices, researching methods and mediums that embrace the spectrum of blackness, including niggas. As a commitment to consistently critically think, her practice as a painter, writer, and digital amplifier articulates her curiosity to create works that encapsulate rebellion, sarcasm, and seriousness-- through visual and linguistic explorations.
MULLEN is the recipient of the Duff Family Scholarship, Otis Presidential Scholarship, and MAF LA Young Creatives Grant. In 2019, Mullen curated her first solo exhibition at Stay Gallery in Downey, California. She then exhibited twice with Innerspace Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles. Her work is a part of private collections in Boston, Massachusetts, New York, New York, and Dallas, Texas. In November 2019, Post & Beam invited her to exhibit six unique works to represent a cultural perspective of Los Angeles. In 2021, Mullen showcased works with SoLA Contemporary Art Museum for their virtual pandemic fundraiser. Her short film, This New Mix Called, " ", premiered at Thuh Film Festival's first annual film festival in Long Beach, CA. Recently, her work has appeared on Bel-Air, Season 1, Episode 6, the film, Roux's Blues, and Coo x usedtoo music video by B. Cool-Aid.
During her research in London, Mullen screened a short film entitled, Bloody Goat at the Tate Museum, curated an incubator program, &SMILED (sponsored by RCA BLK), participated in a group showcase, come by here at Studio 101 in Deptford, and continues to commune with others through writing, discussion, and DJng throughout the city.
She graduated from Otis College of Art and Design, earning a Fine Arts degree in Painting. Currently, she is pursuing her post-graduate degree from the Royal College of Art in Contemporary Art Practices, researching methods and mediums that embrace the spectrum of blackness, including niggas. As a commitment to consistently critically think, her practice as a painter, writer, and digital amplifier articulates her curiosity to create works that encapsulate rebellion, sarcasm, and seriousness-- through visual and linguistic explorations.
MULLEN is the recipient of the Duff Family Scholarship, Otis Presidential Scholarship, and MAF LA Young Creatives Grant. In 2019, Mullen curated her first solo exhibition at Stay Gallery in Downey, California. She then exhibited twice with Innerspace Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles. Her work is a part of private collections in Boston, Massachusetts, New York, New York, and Dallas, Texas. In November 2019, Post & Beam invited her to exhibit six unique works to represent a cultural perspective of Los Angeles. In 2021, Mullen showcased works with SoLA Contemporary Art Museum for their virtual pandemic fundraiser. Her short film, This New Mix Called, " ", premiered at Thuh Film Festival's first annual film festival in Long Beach, CA. Recently, her work has appeared on Bel-Air, Season 1, Episode 6, the film, Roux's Blues, and Coo x usedtoo music video by B. Cool-Aid.
During her research in London, Mullen screened a short film entitled, Bloody Goat at the Tate Museum, curated an incubator program, &SMILED (sponsored by RCA BLK), participated in a group showcase, come by here at Studio 101 in Deptford, and continues to commune with others through writing, discussion, and DJng throughout the city.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2022 & SO I DID | Studio Floor, Royal College of Art, Battersea, London
Senior Review | Galef 218, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
Open Studio | Galef 109, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
Junior Review | Junior Studios, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
2019 Los Angeles: Shareable Stories | Post & Beam, Los Angeles, CA
The Women’s Room | The Lion’s Art & Entertainment, Leimert Park
SISTARS | Reparations Club, Mid City Los Angeles, CA
The Other | Stay Gallery, Downey, CA
Senior Review | Galef 218, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
Open Studio | Galef 109, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
Junior Review | Junior Studios, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
2019 Los Angeles: Shareable Stories | Post & Beam, Los Angeles, CA
The Women’s Room | The Lion’s Art & Entertainment, Leimert Park
SISTARS | Reparations Club, Mid City Los Angeles, CA
The Other | Stay Gallery, Downey, CA
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024 Inbound Carousel | London | Galleria Objets | Brick Lane, London
come by here | Studio 101, Deptford, London, UK
Tate Lates: Sonic Disruption | Tate Modern, London UK
Story Tell | Ivy House | London UK
CAP Film Festival | Genesis Cinema, London UK
I Am Not Cruel, Only Truthful | Hockney Gallery, Kensington, London, UK
I Am The Hell & High Water | CAP Studio Space, Battersea, London, UK
Everything Must Go | The Cookhouse Gallery, London, UK
2023 &SMILED | Asa Briggs Hall x RCA Black Association, Kensington, UK | video
The Bucket | Galef Fine Arts Center, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
Pass the J | Bricks & Woods | Los Angeles, CA
If I Kissed It, Would That Make It Better | Galef 107, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
DEMASIADO | Superchief Gallery x Tlaloc Studios, Los Angeles, CA
2022 ENTER MONO-LOGUE | Helen and Abraham Bolsky Gallery, Play Vista, CA
CYCLES | Stay Gallery, Downey, CA
Point of Exposure | Galef 107, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
Junior Showcase | Galef 107, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
2021 1st Annual THUH Film Festival | THUH Film Club | Play Nice, Long Beach, CA
UNIDOS | Stay Gallery, Downey, CA
The Local Group Show | Stay Gallery, Downey, CA
2020 In Conclusion | Otis College of Art and Design (virtual), Playa Vista, CA
Pandemic Winter Fundraiser | SoLA Contemporary Art Museum (virtual), Los Angeles, CA
Human | Stay Gallery (virtual), Downey, CA
The Hope You Give | Innerspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2019 Emily’s Power Art Show: Power Collection | Innerspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2018 No One is Coming to Save Us | Art Realm, Long Beach, CA
Mid City Mardi Gras | The Sugar Shack, Los Angeles, CA
Catapult | Made by the Millworks, Long Beach, CA
In Living Color | Martin Luther King Transit Center, Compton, CA
LA Media Connection | The Hub Radio, Compton, CA
Art Party | Private Home, Mid City Los Angeles
City Love | Hitman Coffee Shop, Los Angeles, CA
Metrnohm Music | Bootleg Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
2017 Hellada Gallery | Art Realm, Long Beach, CA
come by here | Studio 101, Deptford, London, UK
Tate Lates: Sonic Disruption | Tate Modern, London UK
Story Tell | Ivy House | London UK
CAP Film Festival | Genesis Cinema, London UK
I Am Not Cruel, Only Truthful | Hockney Gallery, Kensington, London, UK
I Am The Hell & High Water | CAP Studio Space, Battersea, London, UK
Everything Must Go | The Cookhouse Gallery, London, UK
2023 &SMILED | Asa Briggs Hall x RCA Black Association, Kensington, UK | video
The Bucket | Galef Fine Arts Center, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
Pass the J | Bricks & Woods | Los Angeles, CA
If I Kissed It, Would That Make It Better | Galef 107, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
DEMASIADO | Superchief Gallery x Tlaloc Studios, Los Angeles, CA
2022 ENTER MONO-LOGUE | Helen and Abraham Bolsky Gallery, Play Vista, CA
CYCLES | Stay Gallery, Downey, CA
Point of Exposure | Galef 107, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
Junior Showcase | Galef 107, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
2021 1st Annual THUH Film Festival | THUH Film Club | Play Nice, Long Beach, CA
UNIDOS | Stay Gallery, Downey, CA
The Local Group Show | Stay Gallery, Downey, CA
2020 In Conclusion | Otis College of Art and Design (virtual), Playa Vista, CA
Pandemic Winter Fundraiser | SoLA Contemporary Art Museum (virtual), Los Angeles, CA
Human | Stay Gallery (virtual), Downey, CA
The Hope You Give | Innerspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2019 Emily’s Power Art Show: Power Collection | Innerspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2018 No One is Coming to Save Us | Art Realm, Long Beach, CA
Mid City Mardi Gras | The Sugar Shack, Los Angeles, CA
Catapult | Made by the Millworks, Long Beach, CA
In Living Color | Martin Luther King Transit Center, Compton, CA
LA Media Connection | The Hub Radio, Compton, CA
Art Party | Private Home, Mid City Los Angeles
City Love | Hitman Coffee Shop, Los Angeles, CA
Metrnohm Music | Bootleg Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
2017 Hellada Gallery | Art Realm, Long Beach, CA
CURATORIAL WORK
2024 I Am Not Cruel, Only Truthful | Hockney Gallery, Kensington, UK
Everything Must Go | The Cookhouse Gallery, London, UK
2023 &SMILED | Asa Briggs Hall x RCA Black Association, Kensington, UK
If I Kissed It, Would That Make It Better | Galef 107, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
2022 Point of Exposure | Galef 107, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
2020 In Conclusion| curated with Carmen Alatorre | Otis College of Art & Design (virtual)
2018 Where Shift Happens| Downtown Los Angeles
Shit, Shift Happens Part II | Culver City, CA
SHINDIG | Little Amsterdam Coffee, Los Angeles, CA
TEST DRIVE | Cultural Interiors, Los Angeles, CA
Everything Must Go | The Cookhouse Gallery, London, UK
2023 &SMILED | Asa Briggs Hall x RCA Black Association, Kensington, UK
If I Kissed It, Would That Make It Better | Galef 107, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
2022 Point of Exposure | Galef 107, Otis College of Art and Design, Playa Vista, CA
2020 In Conclusion| curated with Carmen Alatorre | Otis College of Art & Design (virtual)
2018 Where Shift Happens| Downtown Los Angeles
Shit, Shift Happens Part II | Culver City, CA
SHINDIG | Little Amsterdam Coffee, Los Angeles, CA
TEST DRIVE | Cultural Interiors, Los Angeles, CA
ARTIST TALKS & PANELS
2024 Episode VII with Suni Mullen | The Ultimate Algorithm Podcast, Spotify & Apple Music
2022 Visual Exploration with Suni Mullen | The Red Dot Series, YouTube
Exploring Photographic Progression: Bria Goodall & Trae Casey | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
NFT’s, Creativity, Investing: Jetpack Jones | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
2021 Coding, Digital Crating and the Blockchain: Treyvon X | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
Visiting Artist Lecture Series: Devin Kenny | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
Visiting Artist Lecture Series: Roger Ballen | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
Bridge the Gap: Tyler Morney | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
I acquired this artwork: Sace Moretti | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
Exploring Ethos and Process: Yi Wang | Otis College of Art and Design, YouTube
Exploring Ethos and Process: Ander Sanborn | Otis College of Art and Design, YouTube
2022 Visual Exploration with Suni Mullen | The Red Dot Series, YouTube
Exploring Photographic Progression: Bria Goodall & Trae Casey | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
NFT’s, Creativity, Investing: Jetpack Jones | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
2021 Coding, Digital Crating and the Blockchain: Treyvon X | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
Visiting Artist Lecture Series: Devin Kenny | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
Visiting Artist Lecture Series: Roger Ballen | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
Bridge the Gap: Tyler Morney | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
I acquired this artwork: Sace Moretti | Suni Mullen Studio, YouTube
Exploring Ethos and Process: Yi Wang | Otis College of Art and Design, YouTube
Exploring Ethos and Process: Ander Sanborn | Otis College of Art and Design, YouTube
HIGH CHROMA | PODCAST | Spotify & All Platforms
2024 Landon Pointer: Fun N Games
Patrick Ngabonziza: Procession of the Nave
2023 Aaron the GREAT | Parts I-II
A CYPHER: TAKING CONTROL | Parts I-III
2022 Todd Alexander: Done & Dyed
Khari Turner: Save Yourself
Mathys Rubrice: Reflect & Explore
Rain Spann: Technology & Art
2020 Elien Itzel Mena: Progressive
Lanise Howard: Cognizant
Jillian Suzanne: Ancestral
Lauren Halsey: Blueprint
Patrick Ngabonziza: Procession of the Nave
2023 Aaron the GREAT | Parts I-II
A CYPHER: TAKING CONTROL | Parts I-III
2022 Todd Alexander: Done & Dyed
Khari Turner: Save Yourself
Mathys Rubrice: Reflect & Explore
Rain Spann: Technology & Art
2020 Elien Itzel Mena: Progressive
Lanise Howard: Cognizant
Jillian Suzanne: Ancestral
Lauren Halsey: Blueprint
LECTURES
2023 Navigating Graduate School | Otis College of Art & Design (virtual)
2022 Making Progress | Suni Mullen | Ryan Hoyle, Play Nice LBC | Washington Middle School
2021 Out of Bounds | Suni Mullen Studio (virtual)
Creating a Certificate of Authenticity | Otis College of Art and Design (virtual)
2022 Making Progress | Suni Mullen | Ryan Hoyle, Play Nice LBC | Washington Middle School
2021 Out of Bounds | Suni Mullen Studio (virtual)
Creating a Certificate of Authenticity | Otis College of Art and Design (virtual)
TELEVISION
2022 COO x usedtoo | B.Coolaid | Music Video
Roux’s Blues | Shades of Hue LLC | Film
BEL-AIR | Peacock Network | Season 1 Episode 6
2017 GIANTS the Series | BET Plus | Season 1
Roux’s Blues | Shades of Hue LLC | Film
BEL-AIR | Peacock Network | Season 1 Episode 6
2017 GIANTS the Series | BET Plus | Season 1
AWARDS, HONORS, & SCHOLARSHIPS
2023 Permanent Endowment Committee Scholarship | Holman United Methodist Church
Academic Excellence Award in Fine Arts, Painting
The Group Scholarship
Alan Cheung Memorial Scholarship
2022 Rose Hill Foundation Scholarship
The Group Scholarship
Ahmanson Scholarship
Incredible Contribution Recognition, Peer Mentor
Otis Presidential Scholarship
2021 Distinction in Studio Awards, Painting
Black Art Sessions, Alumna | Ebony L. Haynes
2020-2023 Dean's List Honoree
Otis Diversity Scholarship
Otis Presidential Scholarship
2020-2022 Duff Family Scholarship
2020 MAF LA Young Creatives Grant
Academic Excellence Award in Fine Arts, Painting
The Group Scholarship
Alan Cheung Memorial Scholarship
2022 Rose Hill Foundation Scholarship
The Group Scholarship
Ahmanson Scholarship
Incredible Contribution Recognition, Peer Mentor
Otis Presidential Scholarship
2021 Distinction in Studio Awards, Painting
Black Art Sessions, Alumna | Ebony L. Haynes
2020-2023 Dean's List Honoree
Otis Diversity Scholarship
Otis Presidential Scholarship
2020-2022 Duff Family Scholarship
2020 MAF LA Young Creatives Grant
Quote by BLAK KANVAS also known as Suni Mullen featured in Issue 17 of CR Fashion Book
SELECTED PUBLISHED WORKS | WRITING
2024 Press Release | Everything Must Go | RCA UK News
2023 A CYPHER: TAKING CONTROL | Keynote Discussion | Otis College Class of 2023 Catalogue
2022 Properly American: The Genius Effect and The Posture of Openness | Essay | December 6
2021 Learning Languages to Transmute Memory | blakkanvas.studio| December 11
Junior Partners in White Supremacy | blakkanvas.studio| September 26
2020 CR Fashion Book Issue 17| Telfar | October 8
Lauren Halsey… Kordansky Gallery | sunimullen.studio| February 1
Cultural Unveiling | blakkanvas.studio March 14
2023 A CYPHER: TAKING CONTROL | Keynote Discussion | Otis College Class of 2023 Catalogue
2022 Properly American: The Genius Effect and The Posture of Openness | Essay | December 6
2021 Learning Languages to Transmute Memory | blakkanvas.studio| December 11
Junior Partners in White Supremacy | blakkanvas.studio| September 26
2020 CR Fashion Book Issue 17| Telfar | October 8
Lauren Halsey… Kordansky Gallery | sunimullen.studio| February 1
Cultural Unveiling | blakkanvas.studio March 14
COLLABORATIONS
2019 MoodRing Radio
Janaye Coleman Feature
2018 Will's Earth
Jamaican Barbie | Visual Set Installation
Giants the Series (Season 2) | Visual Set Installation
Janaye Coleman Feature
2018 Will's Earth
Jamaican Barbie | Visual Set Installation
Giants the Series (Season 2) | Visual Set Installation
BIBLIOGRAPHY
2024 Taking Live from the Tate Modern | Montez Press Radio | April 26
2023 Taking 4/20 Events in Los Angeles: From "Dazed and Confused" to "Drum and Bass" | Patch | April 19
2022 Taking Chances: Reflections on Risk | Shoutout LA | December 5
Stay gallery Celebrating 10 Year Anniversary | The Downey Patriot | October 13
2019 The Other- An Unpopular Opinion | Stay Gallery | July
Meet Suni Mullen of BLAK KANVAS | Voyage LA Magazine | January 29
2023 Taking 4/20 Events in Los Angeles: From "Dazed and Confused" to "Drum and Bass" | Patch | April 19
2022 Taking Chances: Reflections on Risk | Shoutout LA | December 5
Stay gallery Celebrating 10 Year Anniversary | The Downey Patriot | October 13
2019 The Other- An Unpopular Opinion | Stay Gallery | July
Meet Suni Mullen of BLAK KANVAS | Voyage LA Magazine | January 29
DJ
2024
Camden Arts Center | Future Archaeologies
Art Bar Kensington | Ecollegey Festival
Royal College of Art | Design Products Showcase
Hockney Gallery | To Find, To Hold, To Share
Art Bar Kensington
Hockney Gallery | I am not cruel, Only Truthful
Art Bar Kensington | V-Day Set
Royal College of Art | i am the hell and high water
Art Bar Kenisngton
The Cookhouse Gallery at University of Arts London
2023
Market House Brixton | R&B Set
Market House Brixton | R&B Set
Joseph Mobolaji Aine Kensington Studio | & SMILED
Otis College of Art & Design | If I Kissed It, Would That Make It Better
Camden Arts Center | Future Archaeologies
Art Bar Kensington | Ecollegey Festival
Royal College of Art | Design Products Showcase
Hockney Gallery | To Find, To Hold, To Share
Art Bar Kensington
Hockney Gallery | I am not cruel, Only Truthful
Art Bar Kensington | V-Day Set
Royal College of Art | i am the hell and high water
Art Bar Kenisngton
The Cookhouse Gallery at University of Arts London
2023
Market House Brixton | R&B Set
Market House Brixton | R&B Set
Joseph Mobolaji Aine Kensington Studio | & SMILED
Otis College of Art & Design | If I Kissed It, Would That Make It Better
| mullen_suni_cv.pdf |