Esteban Raheem Abdul Raheem Samayoa (b. 1994, Sacramento, CA, US) is a Mexican-Guatemalan artist based in Oakland, CA, whose practice is a profound exploration of cultural heritage, identity, and transformation. Working across charcoal, painting, ceramics, and installation, Samayoa’s work captures intimate moments of nostalgia and resilience, drawing from personal and communal histories.
Much of Esteban’s imagery returns to the people and places that raised him — Oakland, Sacramento, the communities that became his chosen family. His practice holds this intimacy as both memory and method. His mastery of black and white charcoal drawings serves as the foundation of his practice, rendering evocative scenes that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant. Beyond monochrome, he embraces vibrant color and rich textures, incorporating materials like burlap, plaster, and soil—elements that pay homage to his Guatemalan roots and the tactile nature of memory.
Samayoa’s work extends beyond self-reflection; it is a means of forging connections. By channeling personal experiences into visual storytelling, he creates spaces for dialogue, healing, and collective understanding. His art is not just a testament to his own journey but an invitation for others to see themselves within it—a celebration of community, transformation, and the enduring power of self-expression. In reflecting on his early charcoal drawings, Esteban describes how representation began as an act of devotion — a way to dignify the everyday lives of those around him.
“With my charcoals, I wanted to put people like my friends on gallery walls and emphasize their beauty.”
“This is the most sure I’ve ever been about a path, even though it’s still scary to take a chance on art… I’m just proud that I get to wake up and do what I love most.”
Certified editions are museum-quality archival prints created from existing artworks of our represented artists. These editions are aimed to generate passive income for artists, amplify the reach of their work and redistribute accessibility to art collecting.
Certified editions are museum-quality archival prints created from existing artworks of our represented artists. These editions are
aimed to generate passive income for artists, amplify the reach of their work and redistribute accessibility to art collecting.
