Artist in conversation: Kosi Ayanna
“ For me, art is more than just a visual medium; it's like a dance, a form of meditation, an outlet, a sacred language that expresses the intricacies of human existence.”
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. Her practice juxtaposes color, texture, collage, and film photography to create these realms of transformation. Having the freedom and flexibility to explore new ideas and techniques encourages her creative process. Inspiration comes from many sources: music, language, film, personal experience, internal reflections, and external connections.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
My artistic journey started as a child; being taught the importance of self expression, the art of storytelling, and just appreciating art as a whole, at a young age. My enthusiasm for art stems from the excitement of expressing emotions and thoughts into visual form. For me, art is more than just a visual medium; it's like a dance, a form of meditation, an outlet, a sacred language that expresses the intricacies of human existence.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
In my creative journey, inspiration is drawn from themes of cultural identity and spiritual growth, so, I would say the theme of my art is abstract expressionism. Connection with myself and collective experiences in life help shape these narratives as the foundation of my artistic expression. Inspiration also comes from music, language, film, science, personal experience, internal reflections, and external connections. Motifs used in my art come from symbols and stories of creation that I’ve either read about or seen in a film. Most are just ideas that come to mind and I obsess over them until I bring them to life.
Can you discuss the role of experimentation and risk-taking in your artistic process?
Exploring different styles and mediums has become a way of exploring the complexity of myself, expanding beyond the limitations of my phenomenal existence. Having the freedom and flexibility to explore new ideas and techniques encourages my creative process. Creating something and releasing it into the world with the constant feel to deliver every time can be overwhelming, especially when facing some sort of battle. Being inspired by other creatives, both known and unknown, who continue to do it despite the unforeseen, encourages me to do the same. Creating in different mediums to express and share my experiences makes it all worth it.
What themes or concepts do you find yourself repeatedly drawn to in your artwork?
I find myself constantly drawn to the elements of nature, the sense of lightness, and the intimate parallel between human and world creation. The hermetic principles also have a huge impact in some of the concepts I create. Much of my work explores the nuances of Otherness through imagined otherworldly beings and spaces, while merging the ideas of open heartedness, community, realism and belonging. These created worlds serve as portals to the transformation and spiritual guidance experienced by marginalized identities.
Can you share a specific piece or project that holds particular significance to you, and walk us through the creative process behind it?
My last series, Indulgence, was and still is very special to me. Every piece is like my baby. In going through a transitional phase at the time, there were a lot of intense emotions involved that never circulated in the midst of other series. Abstract painting is usually my safe space, but this was different. This series was challenging due to being extremely vulnerable, a feeling I’m not used to, so I wasn’t too sure where or how to start my process. In that, I simply trusted my intuition and went through with it. Most of the inspiration for this series came from either dreams I had, was having, and/or real experiences. I was really happy and satisfied to have finished this series because it gave me a moment(s) to just sit with my feelings and release everything.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I welcome feedback from both critics and audiences and enjoy the conversations that are had. Having these conversations gives me the space to improve and evolve my art. While being open to critiques, it’s also important for me to consider whether these comments align with my own artistic expressions, or if they overshadow them. In the end, the people who get it, get it.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Whenever I’m having creative blocks, I watch old films or listen to music and dance around the house. Photography is another way that helps me stay inspired and grounded. It’s sort of like therapy in between projects whenever I get overwhelmed. Sometimes for me, creating can be a bit chaotic. My brain is always at full speed. There’s like a little person in there constantly coming up with ideas and filing them away, and then my body somehow knows when its time to put all the pieces together. Most of the time it’s just blank canvases in the corner of my room with post-it notes that only make sense to me.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am extremely honored to have my work exhibited with The Holy Art Gallery. Thank you for giving me and other talented artists space to bloom. I look forward to more collaborations in the future.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I hope to continue creating art that unveils a unique and engaging representation of humanity, highlighting uncommon and nuanced emotions. I plan to strengthen my ability to communicate these complicated emotions through film, while integrating my authentic visual approach.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
My art demonstrates the versatility of my creative energy. Emotion plays a huge role in my creative process as it is the heart of storytelling. It determines what type of music I listen to during my process, the movements put into each brush stroke, or the colors and textures I use. I aim to tell stories visually through my paintings that convey emotions the viewer can relate to.
“All great artist draw from the same resource: the human heart, which tells us that we are all more alike than we are unalike” - Maya Angelou