artist's bio
Asia Youngs-Bailey is an interdisciplinary artist, designer, and creative director whose work is rooted in cultural research, storytelling, and community engagement. Her practice spans photography, videography, sculpture, and functional design, and is deeply informed by identity and creating inclusive spaces and objects that honor Black history and culture. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Carrie Mae Weems, Lorna Simpson, Kara Walker, and René Peña, her work explores personal histories, cultural memory, and the layered experiences of the Black Diaspora.
Raised on the south side of Houston, Texas, Asia pursued her higher education in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, earning a B.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in Photography and a minor in Anthropology from the University of North Texas. Her academic background continues to shape her approach to art and design, grounding her work in ethnographic curiosity, observation, and narrative-building.
Following her graduation, Asia stepped away from her personal art practice to travel, immerse herself in new environments, and gain access to stories beyond institutional spaces—deepening her connection to anthropology and lived cultural knowledge. During this time, she served as Deputy Director for a Houston-based nonprofit, where she gained experience in leadership, program development, and community advocacy. She later spent time living in Chicago before returning to the Houston area, carrying with her an expanded perspective shaped by movement, dialogue, and place.
She has since returned to the art and design space as the founder and Creative Director of Bantu Studios, a multidisciplinary design studio, where she designs and produces art, décor, and furniture rooted in culture, functionality, and community. Scheduled to launch publicly in late 2026, Bantu Studios will also serve as a collaborative platform, working alongside artists, artisans, and designers to create accessible, culturally driven work.
Youngs-Bailey’s work addresses themes of systemic oppression, equity, access, and representation, while emphasizing care, reflection, and collective experience. She has exhibited work at institutions including the African American Museum of Dallas—where her work is part of the museum’s permanent collection—the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston, and various galleries throughout Texas.
Artist Statement
As an artist, I focus on my identity - heritage, ancestry, appearance, and mental health. Throughout my research and practice, I look deeply at the black community's past, present, and future while driven to find a way to create an inclusive atmosphere for Black culture.
My passion for research, to reflect, and to present my artwork stems from the lack of "fine art" represented within my inner-city community and the feeble information provided about Black history from the schools that I attended. Throughout the years, I have learned to examine and navigate these circumstances, and both elevate and bring attention to the issues I had to - and continue to - overcome as a Black woman.
I create conceptual, ethically evaluative, and socially engaged work to educate and spread awareness to my viewers through mediums such as photography, videography, sculpture, mark-making, and book art. The awareness and education are presented purposely for viewers who may not identify with the marginalized communities or histories that I research and present. Meant to provoke emotion, I encourage curiosity in order to start the viewer's journey to be an active and empathetic human being. My work is both about progressing and processing the knowledge of my cultural heritage, personal histories, and self.