Julian V.L. Gaines (b. 1991, Chicago, IL) is a conceptual, multidisciplinary, installation artist and painter based outside Portland, OR. Pulling from multiple references ranging from life in Oregon to music and books, Gaines’ artistic practice repaints history in oil and house paint, embodying the social mores and principles he preaches daily. His work has progressed to a larger scale of depth and social commentary, intending to be both critical and constructive. This is best exemplified through projects released under Gaines’ independent creative company, “Ju Working on Projects™️.” His “For Creatives, By Creatives” initiative and “Game Worn” campaign produced four signature shoes with Nike Sportswear, whose 2018 release in Chicago and subsequent proceeds funded 500 scholarships for creatives in his childhood Chicago community. Gaines' work has been exhibited in Portland, New York, Miami, and Chicago, among other cities. His work is in numerous private and corporate collections, including the Portland Art Museum, The Schultz Family Foundation, Nike World Headquarters, and Soho House. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, HYPEBEAST, and The New Yorker, leading to notable brand partnerships with Nike, NFL, Jordan, Maker’s Mark, McDonald’s, Jet Life Recordings, Kiwi, Levi Strauss & Co., and more.