SPACE 01
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Exhibit Dates: 05.17.2025 - 05.31.2025
Octavia Reese was a true force of nature—an artist, a visionary, a mother, a friend, and an unwavering source of love and inspiration. Her impact on those who knew her, and on the creative communities she helped cultivate, is immeasurable. She moved through the world with unmatched brilliance, shaping not only her own reality but the lives of everyone she touched.
As a multidisciplinary artist, author, musician, tech innovator, content creator, and digital strategist, Octavia’s creativity knew no bounds. She was also a dancer, an entrepreneur, and a storyteller—one who saw the world through a lens of deep curiosity and radical truth. But beyond her talents, she was magic itself. She lived with a fierce love for life and for those around her, forming connections that transcended time and space. She was our chosen family.
Octavia was the heart of the art cooperative that later became SPACE 01, and without her vision, our space would not exist as it does today. She built and nurtured a community that uplifted artists, dreamers, and rebels, always making space for those who needed it most. Though her passing has left an unfillable void, her spirit continues to guide us. We honor her legacy by continuing the work she so fearlessly championed—creating, connecting, and choosing love.
Thank you, Octavia, for everything. You are forever with us.
Untitled, 2025
Humanness
Our interactions, fleeting moments of silence, a small exchange, a nod.
Often overlooked.
But it can change the perspective of a day or a life.
Metropolitan cities are filled with a diverse group of people.
There are many instances we do not think twice about.
Chicago can be lonely or Chicago can be invigorating.
Each portion is equal, subpar, or higher to the next.
Capitalizing on these seconds that make us human.
Like the blink of an eye…
Oil and watercolor on found fabric
Moon and Star, 2025
Rays, 2025
War Horn, 2025
Afro-AMEORICAN Artists Make Art. Everything We Create Is Art, 2025
Eirene, 2025
Light, Air, 2025
The work is inspired by Ted Joans’ A Teduated Art Tip in which he wrote, “Afro artists create art, we are artists; everything we create is art…we use any ways, or materials, that are chosen to create this art,” on the back a found piece of cardboard. Also a mark of inspiration was the visual presentation of his poetry alongside afro-surrealist imagery.
“Afro-AMEORICAN Artists Make Art. Everything We Create Is Art” features original poems, historic and cultural references to black life and black excellence, and quotations where noted. Adinkra symbols: Osram Ne Nsoromma (moon and star), Kojo Baiden (rays of light) and Akoben (war horn) are also incorporated.
The process was a reflection of how society views black-ness and how we view black-ness within ourselves; the project is a both cathartic and meditative way to work out these questions in a physical landscape.
Acrylic paint, marker, pastel, fabric and tape on found cardboard
Octavia: Made of Mirth and Magic, 2025
Aurora borealis in human form, a dance of celestial fire, she was radiant and warm.
A dreamer in constant creative motion. A witch with love as her notion. A bringer of laughter, light, joy, and divinity; may her way be remembered and in our beings become our norm.
Watercolor, colored pencil, oil based paint on cotton paper
Octavia, You're So Cool, 2025
Octavia and I met just before attending an artist residency in France — over steak frites in Paris. That night, we dove deep into conversation about life and art and became fast, fun friends. The following days were full of laughter, wine, cello performances in front of the sparkling Eiffel Tower, delicious meals, and even joining a professional dance group at the Moulin Rouge. One moment I’ll never forget was standing in front of the Eiffel Tower with her as she pulled out an extra flower crown and handed it to me — so we could both wear them. That was her: always sharing the spotlight, always making magic feel possible.
At the Château d’Orquevaux, Octavia’s meditative cello music filled the halls, tying us all together and helping the artists find creative flow. She was joyful and grounded, and deeply in love with her three boys — who she spoke about with so much warmth and pride. She reminded me to drink life in fully. I’ll always remember our easy laughter, our creative fire, and her words: “It’s time. Just go. Do the thing.”
This illustration is something I wish I had made while she was still alive to see it — but in some way, I hope she knows it exists. One of the artists we gushed over that first night in Paris was Kehinde Wiley, known for his powerful, floral-filled portraits. It felt only right to honor her in a similar way: regal, radiant, unforgettable.
I painted Octavia seated with her cello — peaceful and powerful — surrounded by yellow flowers to represent her warmth and friendship. Her pink background echoes the brick of the château and our “Peaches” song joke from the Mario Bros. movie, which we sang to each other often. Her flower crown and vibrant outfit reflect how she showed up in the world: as a queen, a goddess, a light.
Wisteria blooms behind her — a nod to France, a country she loved deeply. Octavia encouraged me to embrace the spotlight and create without fear. This piece is for her, and for all who knew and loved her. She is deeply missed.
A downloadable version of this illustration is accessible through Ko-fi. 100% of proceeds from both in-person and online sales will be donated to Octavia’s family.
Boy Blue, 2023
Oil on canvas
Summer Halter Top, 2024
Octavia asked me to make her a summer crop top and we collaborated on colors and design. Octavia loved earth tones and yellow always made her smile. This is a living memory for me and I hope that it continues to remind people of the earth, life, and sunshine. Octavia is summer and life and love.
Cotton, acrylic, and alpaca yarn, and a black elastic band. The top is a halter style with a corset backing tie made with brown, green, and yellow yarn.
Love Always, Octavia, 2025
Octavia and I met as young teens at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. She played the cello, and I played the violin, but we also sang, danced, made art, and goofed off together. We had similar senses of humor, and would routinely finish each other’s sentences (and jokes). It was always like this between us. As the years passed, Octavia showed up for all of my painting and music shows, and this painting was my way of showing up for her. It came to me so easily and effortlessly, and I don’t think that’s any coincidence. This piece was just another one of our collaborations.
Oil on canvas