Ryan Walters is a painter from southern Tennessee. His work explores self-discovery and acceptance from the perspective of being a transgender individual. Drawing from personal experience, his acrylic paintings reflect the tension between hiding one’s true self and the quest for authenticity, inviting viewers to engage with themes of identity, memory, and shame. Committed to fostering inclusivity, Ryan participates in public art initiatives that celebrate diverse voices. He has a love for magical realism and impressionism. As a graduate student, he seeks to refine his artistic skills, to inspire creativity in others, and to focus more on the relationship of queerness and southern culture.