Hailey Losselyong

Hailey Losselyong developed an interest in crafts early in life, learning knitting and sewing from her grandmother and drawing from her mother. This foundational exposure to creative pursuits evolved into a consistent painting practice before her college years. Initially undertaking requests for small paintings to earn additional income, Losselyong eventually shifted her focus to developing her unique artistic style. This period of artistic growth and confidence building culminated in her participation in a group art show, an experience that reinforced her commitment to her craft. Subsequently, she commenced an internship with Hebru Brantley Studios, which provided her with practical insights into the art industry as a self-taught artist. In 2017 or 2018, Hailey Losselyong initiated her ‘Leave Me Alone’ art series, which grew out of personal experiences with street harassment, evolving into a broader commentary on respecting boundaries and fostering mutual respect. Her work often features stylized, unbothered women with closed eyes, conveying a message of quiet strength and a refusal to engage with unwarranted attention.

Losselyong’s professional trajectory includes establishing HML Art & Design, named after her initials and also an acronym for ‘Hit My Line.’ Through HML, she focuses on creating impactful and bold abstract portraits of women, utilizing bright colors, line work, and dots. Beyond traditional canvases, she applies her art to apparel, transforming plain jackets and purses into wearable art pieces. Her approach includes offering a range of price points—from original paintings to prints and sticker packs—to make her art accessible to a wider audience, including her peers. A significant milestone in her career was her involvement in the Mural Movement, starting in 2020. This initiative, born during a period of civil unrest, aimed to beautify boarded-up storefronts with murals supporting social justice themes like Black Lives Matter and Black and brown unity. Through this movement, Losselyong and other artists gained opportunities to paint large-scale projects, often in Black and brown communities or for small businesses that might not otherwise afford such artworks.

Her commitment to showcasing different forms of art culminated in her installation, HML Home, at Vault Gallerie in Pilsen. This exhibition, structured like an IKEA-style apartment, featured her past work on walls, furniture, and clothing, illustrating her artistic evolution and her belief in the accessibility of art. Losselyong’s work highlights femininity and the experiences of women of color, asserting the importance of representation in art for young people and within communities. Her versatility extends to photography and video content, reflecting her preference for experimenting across multiple mediums rather than limiting herself to one. This multi-disciplinary approach allows for continuous creative growth and the pursuit of projects that align with her artistic vision and social commentary.