Ashley Longshore may be known for her thought-provoking, bold and colorful works of art, but in person, she is just as bright and unapologetically herself as her work suggets.

Photo By: John Parra

Her show at the Aqua Art Fair demonstrates her fearless celebrations of female financial independence. She showcases her collections that challenge societal norms around money, power and gender.

“This fair means an opportunity to be financially independent. Is this about art? Yes, but it’s about capitalism,” she reflects while looking around her exhibit featuring $30,000 in ones covering the floor. "It’s about being able to buy what I want when I want, and that’s the essence of being an American,” she shares.

Photo By: John Parra

Despite her successful pop-art empire, Aqua marks the first time she can show her work as an independent gallerist.

“It’s been wonderful that (Aqua) allowed me to show my art at Aqua because for 99% of the fairs, I’m not considered a commercial artist,” she says.

This is because Longshore represents herself as a gallerist and artist, a true reflection of the empowerment she shares in her art.

“Self-representation is a big part of my messaging. Not giving up 50% to a middleman and knowing my clients, building my team and business is the cornerstone of my freedom. Financial independence is the goal, always,” she reflects. “Love who you want, buy what you want, live where you want, help who you want.... and don’t give up 50%.”

While walking around her bold exhibit, I noticed that art is deeply seeped into Longshore’s veins. Her colorful pieces are captivating. From her published art books to sculptures and paintings, everywhere you turn is a visual celebration.

Photo By: John Parra

“Art is my soul. I felt when I was a little girl, I never really fit in. So when I realized when I was 18 that I was an artist, I found a great love of my life,” she shares. And I was like, even if I don’t make a million dollars and if I don’t find the man of my dreams, I found a great love. And then I looked around the room and went, ‘I’m going to sell this stuff.’ This is what I’m going to do."

While her work has been described as a “modern-day Andy Warhol with Southern flair,” Longshore remains true to who she is.

“I love Andy, but I am Ashley Longshore,” she says. “I think the thing that Andy and I have in common is that making art is art, and making money is art. When you can be financially independent, you can make the biggest idea come true. And an art fair like this really allows you to do that on stage for a global audience.”

Guests can visit her website here and explore her work.