Shamel Ridley, artistically recognized as Kumo Shai, was born in the vibrant borough of Bronx, New York, in the year 1992. Coming from Panamanian and black background his is work is shaped around Imagining new ways of the culture that raised him to reinterpret whats there and what new meanings can be revealed . Finding new perspectives in old narratives , beauty in the mundane , thrills in our everyday living and expressing it through images .

His photographer career started by documenting his neighborhood friends as they started to make music and as their careers elevated so did his. He utilized his personal skills to build relationships and not only document but created new narratives to what he seen and repurposed his outlook on what society called “the hood” and created his 1st monograph “All The Talent Is In The Hood” . He’s been recognized  by NYFW doing a write up on him as well as shooting covers for Highsnobiety , Galore and photographing articles for Interviewmag and Vogue.

Kumo Shai's work consist of Imagining new ways to reinterpret whats there and what new meanings can be revealed . Finding humor in chaos , beauty in the mundane , thrills in our everyday living and expressing it through pictorial scenes. Characterizing the artist as a keen observer and commentator on Black culture. The narratives within his creations reflect personal experiences, the artist's unique perspective on beauty, particularly the aesthetics of women from diverse cultures. Shai's art becomes a canvas for exploring the intricate truths and contradictions embedded in contemporary society.