Biography

Bran Cherie (b. 1992) is a contemporary painter whose conceptual works explore connection, identity, love, loss, transformation, resilience, and the emotional interior of everyday life. Working primarily in oil, acrylic, and mixed media, she uses the butterfly as a recurring visual language through which each body of work examines a different facet of the human experience. Rather than serving solely as a subject, the butterfly functions as a symbolic framework that invites viewers to look beyond the familiar form and engage with the emotional and cultural narratives each painting represents.

Having lived throughout Korea, Italy, Hawaii, and across the continental United States, Cherie's experiences have shaped a nuanced understanding of culture, community, and identity that informs her artistic perspective. Her twelve years of service in the United States Air Force remain one influence among many that continue to shape her evolving practice, particularly her exploration of resilience, transition, belonging, and personal transformation.

In 2026, Cherie presented Metamorphosis, a 16-work solo exhibition at Vika Gallery in Washington, D.C. Developed around the life cycle of the butterfly, the exhibition examines transformation through four interconnected frameworks: the stages of metamorphosis, the four seasons, the four elements, and the four pillars of resilience: mental, spiritual, physical, and social. Through figurative, symbolic, graphic, and mixed-media works, the collection considers transformation not as a singular moment of change, but as an ongoing process of isolation, growth, surrender, reconstruction, connection, and emergence.

During her undergraduate studies, Cherie founded Mereri Art Collective, an organization that supports her studio practice while expanding access to the arts through exhibitions, workshops, and community-centered creative programming. What began with commissioned paintings in 2016 has evolved into a contemporary practice centered on concept-driven collections, symbolic storytelling, and experiences that create opportunities for connection through art.

Now based in Northern Virginia, Cherie is pursuing studies in Visual Arts at Northern Virginia Community College as she prepares for Master of Fine Arts applications. Her work has been exhibited throughout Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Her practice continues to examine familiar symbols and shared experiences as vehicles for recognition, reflection, and human connection.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
University of Maryland Global Campus

Visual Arts (in progress)
Northern Virginia Community College
Preparing for Master of Fine Arts applications

Professional Experience

Founder & Lead Artist

Mereri Art Collective | 2017–Present

• Established an art and design company focused on fine art, community-centered creative programming, product development, and experiential events

Solo Shows

• Bran Cherie: Metamorphosis, Vika Gallery, 2026

• Bran Cherie, Hickam Art Gallery, 2020

Group Shows

• Last Demands, curated by Sakina Ahmad, Shanklin Hall, Washington D.C., 2026

• The Gallery exchange, hosted by Ars MAG, Homme Gallery, Washington D.C., 2026

• R&B On The Water, curated by Simone Agoussoye, DC Water, Washington D.C., 2026

• Dreams to Dollars, curated by Brian Bailey in partnership with Howard University, The Westin, Washington D.C., 2026

• AYY Ladies a Women’s History Month Event, hosted by Art Activated Productions, The Continent, Washington D.C., 2026

• Heartbreak Hotel, hosted by Art Activated Productions, Sost, Washington D.C., 2026

• Women: A Work of Art, curated by Courtney Elmore, Republic Restoratives Distillery, Washington D.C., 2025

• Spirit of Humanity: Love, Matters of the Heart, curated by Dee Sanae of Mosaic Visions in partnership with Eaton Hotel, Washington D.C., 2025

  • Solo Visual Artist

• Black Girl Art Show, Grand Hyatt, Washington D.C., 2025

• National Reconnaissance Office, Virginia, 2024

  • Selected from 100+ submissions for Principal Deputy Director’s Office award

Community Engagement & Curated Events

• Curated Paint Party, Solera African American Culture Club, California, 2026

• Paint Workshop, Showy LLC, Maryland, 2026.

• Community Art Workshop, Tysons Teammates in partnership with Fairfax County, Virginia. 2026

• Curated Paint Party, Legacy Gallery, District of Columbia. 2024

• Curated Paint Party, DC International School, District of Columbia. 2024

• Private Paint Workshop, Virginia. 2023

• Private Paint Workshop, Hawaii. 2019

• Workshop Facilitator, Women’s Diversity Council, Italy. 2014

Public Art

• Untitled (Private Mural) Italy, 2016

  Acrylic on wall, site-specific installation