Details
First Name | Kosi |
Last Name | Ayanna |
Username | kosiyanna |
Bio | Kosi Ayanna (b. 1994, Washington, DC) is from PG County, Maryland. Currently working out of Washington, DC, and Brooklyn, New York. Kosi Ayanna (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and creative producer. Her work focuses on the elements of nature and the intimate parallel between human and world creation. Much of her work explores the nuances of Otherness through imagined otherworldly beings and spaces, while merging the ideas of community, realism and belonging. These created worlds function as portals to the transformation and spiritual guidance experienced by marginalized identities. Her practice juxtaposes color, texture, collage, and film photography to create these realms of transformation. She has exhibited work in many group exhibitions and publications over the years. Her work has been exhibited at the ArtRoomDC Gallery in Washington, DC, Rio III Gallery in Harlem, NY, Riverfront Art Gallery in Yonkers, NY, and featured in print and virtually with Artists Talk Magazine in Manhattan, NY. |
Website | |
Country of residence | United States (US) |
Statement
Statement | As a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and creative producer, my work delves into the intimate parallels between human existence and the natural world. I explore the nuances of Otherness through imagined otherworldly beings and spaces, merging concepts of community, realism, and belonging. By juxtaposing color, texture, collage, and film photography, I create transformative realms that serve as portals for marginalized identities to experience spiritual guidance and transformation.
My creative process is deeply influenced by themes of cultural identity and spiritual growth, drawing inspiration from music, language, film, personal experiences, and both internal reflections and external connections. Experimentation and risk-taking are integral to my practice, allowing me to transcend the limitations of my existence and encouraging the exploration of new ideas and techniques. This flexibility fosters a dynamic artistic journey, where each piece is a testament to the complexities of human experience and the transformative power of art.
In my recent series, “Indulgence,” I navigated a transitional phase, channeling intense emotions into abstract expressionism. This series holds particular significance as it challenged me to embrace vulnerability, resulting in works that are deeply personal and resonant. Through my art, I aim to create spaces that invite viewers into a sacred language of visual storytelling, expressing the intricacies of human existence and the transformative journey of self-discovery. |
Exhibitions
Exhibitions | SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2024 Art on Loop, The Holy Art Gallery. New York, NY 2023 Artist Talk Digital Exhibition. Broadway Plaza. New York, NY 2023 Indulgence. Art Room DC. Washington, DC. 2023 No Love Without Humanity&Courage. Rio III Gallery. Harlem, NY 2022 Winter Calling. Riverfront Art Gallery. Yonkers, NY 2022 Artist Talk Digital Exhibition. Broadway Plaza. New York, NY 2016 Aunty’s Tea Party 2. Open Studio DC. Washington, D.C. 2016 Aunty’s Tea Party. Open Studio DC. Washington, D.C. 2016 Hall of Fame. Creative Arts Learning Center. Washington, D.C.
SELECTED DIGITAL EXHIBITIONS 2023 Tied2U. Artist Talk Digital NYE Exhibition. Broadway Plaza. New York, NY 2022 Cosmic Breath. Artist Talk Digital Exhibition. Artist Talk Magazine ( June 23, 2022). Broadway Plaza/ Times Square, New York, NY
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS 2022 Artist Talk Magazine. Broadway Plaza. New York, NY Artist Talk Digital Exhibition – Times Square NYC |
Interests and medias
Interests | Ceramics, Collage, Drawing, Filmmaking / Video art, Mixed media, Painting, Photography |
Ceramics medias | Clay |
Painting medias | Acrylic, Oil |
Drawing medias | Charcoal |
Filmmaking / video art medias | Video installation |
Collage medias | Photomontage |
Photography | Digital image, Photographic film |