- Mayah Pico -

Artist Statement:

I utilize techniques such as mixed-media collage, dyeing of natural fabrics, poetry, spatial design, and hand sewing to explore the idea of humans being at the mercy of the natural world. The natural world is impartial to our manufactured beliefs and systems of classification, yet operates according to its own system of  checks and balances. When we have the eyes to see it, nature is an archive of lessons on harmony, sacrifice, nourishment, transformation, and resilience. Thus, I draw inspiration from ancient anthropomorphic deities that take on forms of nature within human matters to make sense of and/or ascribe meaning to my own experiences on a cosmological scale. Consequently, my work organically ripens into cultural, spiritual, and ideological bridges between nature and the collective human psyche.

Artist Narrative Biography:

Mayah Pico is a visual, literary, and installation artist who utilizes the state of artistic creation to express the feelings and intuitions of the mind, body, and soul that can’t be conveyed through traditional language. She communes with the natural world to tell stories that emphasize the inherent strength conjured in states of vulnerability with hopes of inspiring reflection, redemption, and healing. This work is informed not only be her personal experience, but also by her background in Cognitive Science, Evolutionary Psychology, and Science Communication. She received her BA from UCLA in Psychology/Cognitive Science and her MS in Science Communication from Imperial College London.

Mayah's visual art has appeared in England-based magazine spreads and adorned galleries and bodies on both sides of the Atlantic (London to New York). She has held residencies at Bethany Arts Community and Imperial College London. Her poetry has been published/recognized by The Poetry Society, The Young Poets Network, and Cutthroat Journal (finalist - Joy Harjo Poetry Prize); she was invited to perform this poetry at the 2023 Peace Symposium. Mayah understands poetry/poetics to be the unifying thread that binds the narratives encompassed in her creations and installation spaces.