Shanel Gaskin, also known as "NELXART," is a visual artist from Houston who vividly brings her inner world to life through imaginative paintings. Her debut solo exhibition, "EVERYTHING IN COLOR," showcases over 30 artworks influenced by popular culture, fashion, and her personal experiences. Nel's art radiates confidence and an evolving sense of security, attributes mirrored in the mostly female figures she paints, notable for their introspective gaze. Her works, a blend of abstraction and figuration, are executed in a highly stylized manner on canvas.

Nel shares aesthetic and world-building qualities with artists like Nina Chanel Abney, Mr. Tomonoshi, KAWS, and Takashi Murakami. However, her primary inspiration is her maternal grandfather, Charles Salsman Jr., who nurtured her creativity from a young age. The exhibition pays tribute to him with a black Madonna-style painting from the 1960s, highlighting his significant influence on her life and artistic development.

"EVERYTHING IN COLOR" also marks Nel's venture into sculpture with the introduction of "SUPER COOL," a series that portrays the artist as a character within her creative universe. This series features both handheld and life-size figures of the artist with fuchsia-colored skin, dressed in a sleek black two-piece suit complemented by a bright yellow hat and a multicolored mouth.

A signature element of Nel's work is her controlled use of bold colors, reflecting her belief in the positive psychological effects of color. Scientific studies have shown that colorful art can trigger dopamine release, which enhances pleasure, reduces anxiety, and mitigates negative emotions. Nel’s art celebrates play and serves as a reminder that playfulness should be embraced throughout life, fostering a sense of joy and optimism.

‍