AZIZZ: “YEAR 1 ITINERARY"

Azizz the Artist is a young painter from Prince George's County, Maryland, whose work carries the kind of quiet weight that stops you mid-step. On July 27–30, he hosted his "Year 1" Exhibition in Washington D.C., a showcase of everything he created within his first full year of painting. It was a public record of becoming. Leche Magazine sent writer Anna Yeajin Choi to walk the room, sit with the work, and bring back what she found.

This painting carries the weight of an entire journey. Created during a six-day snowstorm, Azizz’s piece became more than just a painting; it became a reflection of his heart and soul. Isolated by the weather, he spent nearly a week working through emotions that were difficult to put into words, allowing the canvas to speak where language could not.

The central figure gazes toward something just beyond the frame. There isn't a clear destination, and that's intentional. The feeling is one many people recognize but struggle to articulate: looking ahead, searching for what's next, and living in the space between where you are and where you hope to be. Rather than offering answers, the painting invites viewers to bring their own experiences to the work.

From Prince George's County, Maryland, Azizz’s identity is deeply rooted throughout the DMV. Those experiences shaped his perspective, but his creative vision has continued to expand through travel and cultural exploration.

Visiting Ghana became a defining moment in Azizz’s artistic journey. Immersing himself in the country's culture and experiencing a strong sense of acceptance gave him a renewed appreciation for community and identity. A trip to New Orleans offered another source of inspiration, where the city's vibrant people, traditions, and artistic energy reinforced how culture can shape creativity. These experiences became woven into his work, influencing not only the colors and compositions but also the stories each piece tells.

For Azizz, every painting holds a deeper meaning. "Every piece has a story behind it," he says, emphasizing that even details that may appear random are rooted in personal experiences, memories, or moments that influenced him along the way. Nothing is placed on the canvas without purpose.

The three paintings featured together represent an important chapter in Azizz’s care. A period when he was discovering his artistic style. Looking back, he sees them as milestones that capture both experimentation and growth.

That desire to evolve continues to drive Azizz’s work today. Whether painting on canvas or creating his first hand-painted jackets, he is constantly searching for the space between where he is now and where he wants to go. For Azizz, art is more than a finished product; it is an ongoing journey of growth, self-discovery, and storytelling. His hope is that when people view his work, they see the journey behind it.