VCU & Catalyst Gallery Artists
Get to Know the Artists
Sydney Wilson
Physical, Digital, & Mixed Media Artist
Born in Washington, D.C., raised in Georgia snd Virginia, and now currently residing in Florida, Sydney Wilson draws upon a rich blend of cultural influences and personal experiences to create art that speaks to transformation, resilience, and identity. As a multi-medium artist specializing in painting, digital art, and mixed media art, her work delves into the layered complexities of the human experience, exploring themes of growth, culture, and self-discovery.
Rooted in the vibrant essence of Black cultural heritage and infused with metaphorical and surreal undertones, Wilson’s pieces challenge viewers to look beyond the surface and confront the unseen truths of their own lives. Through vibrant color schemes, intricate compositions, and dynamic storytelling, her art invites audiences into a reflective journey, one that navigates the dualities of strength and vulnerability, stagnation and progress, and individuality within systemic constraints.
Bradley Adjei
Photographer
Bradley Adjei (Bad Brad) is a photographer known for his captivating and evocative images. Raised in Virginia, Brad developed a passion for photography from the art filled city of Richmond, Virginia while attending Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to earn his B.A. in Information Systems. Fascinated by the power of visuals to portray stories, he honed in on his skills through trial and error and self-study.
Brad’s unique perspective and attention to detail are evident in his work, which spans various genres of photography including fashion, portrait, and editorial photography. His creative ability allows him to transform the images he captures to unveil vast colors and intricate details which express emotions and convey stories through his lens.
Over a modest career initiating in 2019, Brad’s vision has garnered recognition and acclaim, leading to his work being published on Oprah Daily, Adolescent Content Holiday Zine, Culture Icon’s magazine, and various other publishings. His accolades thus far keep his hunger and determination to be a world renowned creative relentless.
As a photographer, Brad is constantly pushing his creative vision and seeking opportunities to expand his artistic horizons. He embraces the new trends and incorporates innovative techniques into his practice, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography.
Cam Dorsey
Photographer, Creative Director, Journalist
Cameron Dorsey is a photographer, creative director, and journalist from Newport News, VA and is currently based in Richmond, VA. Since picking up a camera in 2017, he has focused on visual storytelling and using his lens to highlight Black people in unfamiliar spaces. His work blends documentary-style authenticity with a strong artistic vision, capturing moments that feel both intimate and cinematic.
Cameron’s photography has been featured in exhibitions like the Catalyst Studios Art Gallery and Midnight Media’s “VISUALS” exhibit. Beyond photography, he is deeply involved in creative direction and journalism, telling the stories of his peers through his publication, Parago Studios. Regardless of the medium, his goal remains the same—to create work that is authentic, and is an extension of not only himself, but his community.
Joseph John Zielinski III
Applied Arts & Media
I’m Joseph (John) Zielinski, an artist and designer born and raised in southern Virginia. I live in Richmond, where I’m pursuing an M.S. in Business/Branding with a concentration in Art Direction at VCU Brandcenter. Although I have a background in applied arts and media, I like to focus on personal artistic exploration in my free time (when I’m not burnt out). Much of my work incorporates anti-fascist themes and critical perspectives of a late-stage capitalist society. My goal is to promote open-mindedness and to satirize dogmatic perspectives that are detrimental to the development of a harmonious and enlightened world.
Joel DeVaughn
Multi-Medium
Jo-el is a crafts music and poetry that dances on the line between reality and the unconscious. Jo-el’s words offer a window into the beauty and complexity of everyday life and invites others to reflect, dream, and ponder.
Sophia Colette Polizzi
Physical Artist
Sophia Polizzi is a Richmond-based artist whose work blends ecological awareness, spirituality, and feminine energy through vibrant, layered compositions. She earned her BFA in Painting & Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Art Education at VCU, where she also works as a teaching assistant and paints part-time.
Sophia has been immersed in the arts since she was 15, exploring various mediums such as sculpture, jewelry making, mixed media collage, ink, and drawing before finding her primary voice in acrylic painting. Her practice often incorporates mixed media elements, but a defining feature of her work is the consistent use of a specific shade of blue—woven through underpaintings and palettes—to create visual harmony and guide her perception of color.
Inspired by the beauty of nature and the emotional landscapes within, Sophia’s paintings offer a space that transcends the overwhelming aspects of reality. Her work invites viewers into a serene, ethereal realm, encouraging reflection on the delicate balance between the outer world and inner emotions.
Kobi McCray
Photographer
Kobi McCray is a Richmond-based artist from Newport News. He utilizes visual art to reflect deeper expressions of his perspective of the world amongst him.
Yosef Woods
Fashion
Based in Chesapeake, VA, Yosef Woods is the owner of Righteous & Eagerly Determined (RED4fashion), founded in 2013. He is a fashion designer and industrial engineer. At RED4fashion, they create wearable art that fuses powerful messages with functional, abstract streetwear.
