Kayla Reefer

Multidisciplinary Artist, Photographer, and Filmmaker

2025 Make a Wave

Visual Arts

Kayla Reefer (she/her) (b. 1992) is an Afro-Panamanian American multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago, Illinois. Her still imagery primarily nests in the genres of portraiture and documentation through which she explores the varying nuances of identity, intimacy, and community. Reefer's work is characterized by her ability to photograph individuals with profound sincerity and sensitivity. She believes in remaining true to the essentials of her work, solely focusing on communicating stories in their purest form. Her visual art practice has allowed her to pose questions, imagine possibilities, and brainstorm solutions concerning the erasure of people whose identities mirror her own.

Kayla Reefer's Website

Featured Artworks

A figure sits on a chair, only visible from the shoulders down. They are wearing a black and white patterned dress, a necklace with a large pendant and are holding a photograph of a young child with an older figure holding flowers.

Alyssa for tending to: identidad, 2023 Digital format Image by Kayla Reefer

A woman is sitting on a grey couch. She is wearing a black turtleneck and a gold chain necklace. She is resting her head on her hand and has black curly hair.

Ashley for tending to: identidad, 2024 Medium format film Image by Kayla Reefer

Eldorado Flowers, 2023 Medium format film Image by Kayla Reefer

Juneteenth '23, 2023 Medium format film Image by Kayla Reefer

Jordan for tending to: identidad, 2024 Digital format Image by Kayla Reefer

Qurissy for tending to: identidad, 2023 Medium format film Image by Kayla Reefer