What Jazz Is- and Isn’t

October 23- December 6, 2025

Jasaya Neale, born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri—a city steeped in the rich heritage of jazz—developed a deep connection to jazz, not just as music but as a philosophy: “the African American’s eternal recreation of the present”. This concept fuels his work, capturing the ongoing dialogue between history and the now.

In his exhibition, "What Jazz Is - and Isn’t," Jasaya explores the spirit of jazz beyond sound, blending its improvisational nature with the evocative aesthetics of cinematic photography. His art reflects the layered textures, bold contrasts, and dynamic compositions found in film, weaving visual narratives that feel both spontaneous and carefully framed. Jasaya’s work challenges traditional boundaries, using color, form, and shadow to mirror the emotional depth and raw authenticity inherent in jazz and cinema alike.

His creative process mirrors the improvisational heartbeat of jazz—fluid, exploratory, and deeply personal—while his cinematic influences offer a lens through which moments are captured with intention and storytelling. Each piece is a visual riff, reflecting themes of identity, memory, and transformation.

Through his art, Jasaya honors the legacy of jazz while pushing creative boundaries, crafting spaces where music, film, and visual art converge.