BIO
Kalena Burwell, known artistically as Perle, is a Black artist and writer based in New York whose work captures the delicate strength of personal and collective narratives. Inspired by their grandmother and the unique resilience of pearls, Perle’s art embodies a pearlescent quality—a soft, luminous depth that permeates their explorations of identity, community, and heritage. Raised in an artistic family, Perle draws from a rich tapestry of personal stories and cultural diversity, grounding their creative practice in themes of self-expression and unity. Walking the streets of New York, Perle encounters characters whose unique paths contribute to an ever-growing archive of stories, which they weave into statuesque, emotive works that foster connection and reflection. With each piece, Perle bridges individual experiences to the universal, inviting viewers into moments of shared understanding and empathy.
EXHIBITIONS
2024 FreeArts: Youth Showcase, Amanita, New York, NY
Group Exhibition, curated by Athena (Mia Beato), Harlem, NY
2023 Lascaux: TheFinale, Virtual Exhibition
Sotheby’s x FreeArts: Youth Showcase, Sotheby’s, New York, NY
2022 Herschel Flatiron Artist in Residence
Sotheby’s x FreeArts: Youth Showcase, Sotheby’s, New York, NY
2020 Group Exhibition, Room57 Gallery, New York, NY
Sotheby’s x FreeArts: Youth Showcase, Sotheby’s, New York, NY
Imagemaker Exhibition, International Center of Photography, New York, NY
Catbird x The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Partnership Exhibition, International Center of Photography, New York, NY
COLLABORATIONS
2023 Kalik x Adidas All Star
2021 Triadic Ballet Assistant (Credited in the video), Kandis Williams, 52 Walker, New York, NY
2019 Quilting Auction, Free Arts NYC, New York, NY
Versatile Studios X Free Arts Collaboration, Free Arts NYC, New York, NY