Keya Tama
Biography
Keya Tama (b. 1997) is a South African artist based in New York City. Inspired by pastel color palettes, pattern, and symbolism, Keya Tama has been a practicing artist and muralist since the age of thirteen. His style can be describe as ancient contemporary minimalism; by processing and refining images into minimalistic forms while maintaining their essence, his works aim to reunite old and new through contrasting yet unified iconography. The artist uses visuality from the storehouse of art history and references and remixes their recurring themes to create stark contrasts and discover unexpected commonalities which produce unusual, arresting, yet strangely familiar works. Working primarily in acrylics to create his pieces, there is a strong graphic feel to each piece. Across the artist's practice, there are recurring themes of contrasting ancient and contemporary iconography, family and community, mono-myths, and minimalism.
Works
-
Keya TamaNeither a follower or a leader, 2022acrylic on canvas16 x 16 in
40.6 x 40.6 cm -
Keya TamaTied to a Tiger, 2023acrylic on canvas24 x 24 in
61 x 61 cm -
Keya TamaBefore Words, 2023acrylic on canvas20 x 16 in
50.8 x 40.6 cm -
Keya TamaCarefully Cared For, 2023acrylic and gouache on canvas24 x 20 in
61 x 50.8 cm -
Keya TamaHow the Bird Got it's Name, 2023decal on glazed ceramic14 x 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 in
35.6 x 24.1 x 19.1 cm -
Keya TamaEven Ghosts Wonder Why, 2023acrylic and gouache on canvas24 x 20 in
61 x 50.8 cm -
Keya TamaStranger to Time, 2023acrylic on canvas24 x 18 in
61 x 45.7 cm -
Keya TamaLong Last, 2023acrylic on canvas24 x 18 in
61 x 45.7 cm -
Keya TamaSeldom Seen, 2023acrylic on canvas24 x 20 in
61 x 50.8 cm -
Keya TamaThe Winners Cry, 2023acrylic and gouache on canvas24 x 20 in
61 x 50.8 cm -
Keya TamaWe Never Found the Mountains, 2023acrylic on canvas24 x 20 in
61 x 50.8 cm -
Keya TamaThe Loneliest Thing a Cowboy Does, 2023acrylic on canvas24 x 20 in
61 x 50.8 cm
Enquire
Send me more information on Keya Tama
Exhibitions
News
