ayanna nayo, born in Altadena, California, is a multidisciplinary artist whose work delves into the intricate tapestry of childhood, care, tradition, interpersonal relationships, vulnerability, intimacy, and identity. nayo's practice often incorporates collaborative community engagement, enriching the depth of their artistic explorations. Working across a diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and installations, nayo maintains a consistent focus on the power of color and texture. A recipient of the 2020 Red Bull Arts Microgrant, nayo's work has garnered attention in publications such as NY Mag and Refinery29. Currently, nayo's art is set to be featured in two group exhibitions in New York City, further establishing their presence within the contemporary art landscape.
My work attempts to gain an understanding of my current self by connecting with and exploring my past selves. I mine personal and community archives, as well as themes of domesticity, time, space, and location, to highlight connections through shared Black experiences, inviting interpretations from each viewer. It challenges the binaries we continually reconstruct between our identities and experiences. I am inspired by themes of childhood, care, tradition, interpersonal relationships, vulnerability, intimacy, and identity.
download cv