Simone Agoussoye is a Washington DC artist who creates portraiture that exists at the intersection of realism and reverence. For over a decade, she has explored the depths of human identity through paint, glass, and texture—rendering faces not merely as likenesses, but as living reflections of spirit, beauty, and strength.
Her mixed-media works often integrate materials like crushed glass, an element she uses to refract the complexities of individuality and transformation. Each fragment becomes a metaphor for resilience, illuminating the space between realism and imagination.
In this episode, she takes us down memory lane as she explores the moments that signaled art was her destiny and the many doors God has opened for her. She also shares:
1. How her faith in God has been the bedrock of her life.
2. Her connection to the continent of Africa, and the need for unity amongst the Black diaspora.
3. Her message for her 7 year-old self.
4. How she grew into loving herself more, realizing her value; and why knowing your self-worth can impact your net worth, because you demand more when you know you're worth more.
5. A Message for up and coming artists
To check out some of Simone's work and appearances, visit her website: simoneagoussoye.com