30" x 40"
Oil on canvas 2020
@iammiyakah
Miyakah is a black, neurodivergent artist from the Canadian prairies, whose work is deeply rooted in Ancestralism—a philosophy that acknowledges the flow of power and wisdom through ancestral consciousness. Their artistic journey began against the backdrop of Western Canada's majestic skies and was profoundly influenced by the vibrant artistic traditions of Africa and global Indigenous cultures. These influences shaped Miyakah’s perception of beauty and form the foundation of their artistic expression.
Miyakah’s process is characterized by an emotional drive to transform the intangible into the visible. Their work features bold and defiant brushwork, engaging with themes of sensation, chaos, and emotion, while exploring the tension between order and disorder. Though proficient in both oil and acrylic, Miyakah has a particular affinity for oil stick, valuing its ability to convey texture and the truth found in imperfection.
Recently, Miyakah’s work has been featured alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat’s in the Chicago Public School System. This recognition is a significant honour, and Miyakah cherishes the annual influx of student inquiries about their art, viewing it as a highlight of their practice.
THE STORY:
My artistic practice is a journey through the realms of Ancestralism, a belief that power and wisdom flow through us from various levels of consciousness tied to our lineage. As a black, neurodivergent artist from the Canadian prairies, my work channels the essence of my heritage, merging the boundless skies of Western Canada with the rich artistic traditions of Africa and global Indigenous cultures. My canvases are born from an emotional impulse—a need to render the invisible and elusive into a tangible reality.
Each brushstroke is both stimming and stimulating, driven by my unique ability to perceive the subtle, intricate energies surrounding us. I embrace a process of exploration where sensation, chaos, and emotion collide, reflecting the dynamic interplay between order and disorder. My art surprises with its bold, dynamic brushwork and revels in compositions that challenge traditional boundaries.
I am particularly drawn to oil for its textural capacity, which allows me to capture the paradox of imperfection. In the ruggedness of each stroke, I find a deeper truth—a reflection of our own complexities. Viewing my work through the lens of ‘what truth is being expressed here’ invites a deeper engagement, encouraging a direct and profound connection with the emotional and spiritual dimensions of my creations.
*Please note: Purchased works are available for pickup on Sat. Oct 5th from 12-3pm, otherwise, arrangements will be made between collectors and buyers directly following the Art Circuit.