Bio

Tanzanian-Nigerian artist Marryam Moma holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Tyler School of Art, Temple University in Philadelphia. Moma melds the palette of repurposed hand-cut pieces, paper, and media together into fresh, layered imagery with new meaning. Deconstructing images, then re-integrating them to create something new, is an intuitive and ongoing visual experiment where color, texture, balance, shape, and space come into play.  

Moma is enthralled by the creative works of Lorna Simpson, Deborah Roberts, and fell in love with Wangechi Mutus’ collage art. The architecture and sculptures of David Adjaye, Phil Freelon, and Alexander Calder also influence her principal style and creative delivery. Moma uses collage to explore the space where spirituality, gender, race and identity, and sexuality intersect. She celebrates the human form in her work and reinforces ideas about individuality and self-love. The clarity, discipline, and execution of Moma’s work reflects applied strengths from a formal education in architecture.

You will find Moma’s work on The Jealous Curator, in the Starbucks permanent art collection, Kai Lin Art Gallery, Zucot Gallery, MINT Gallery, Jus Lookin’ Gallery, DC, Knowhere Art Gallery, Martha's Vineyard and exhibited at PRIZM, during Miami Art Basel 2019 and more. Her work has been featured in, Radiant Health Magazine, Showfields NYC, Pop Science Magazine, Create! Magazines’ global virtual exhibition, Springing Forward, ART Seen art magazine, and on the cover of the XXL Magazine Freshman Class of 2021 Issue. In August 2021, Moma completes a public art installation with the National Black Artists Foundation in Atlanta, GA and public art installation in Macon, GA for DASHBOARD US, and will present with Dominque Gallery in New York, at The Future Fair, September 2021. Marryam Moma currently lives, loves, and creates in Atlanta, GA.

Artist Statement

At the core of my art practice, I aim to empower and uplift the Black body. Unveiling the magic within this race, breaks collective contemporary stereotypes. Thus, changing attitudes and perceptions of Black bodies, allowing society to re-discover us: powerful, complex, beautiful, revered, and valuable. My collages are focused on elevating the importance of the Black experience and body.

I collect materials that inform my design as I journey through daily life. I am inspired by interaction with people, everyday life experiences, and societal dialog. I retell these stories while empowering and uplifting Black bodies through my work along the way. I create these collages within a rigorous subtractive process that is layered, detailed, textured, and yet minimalist on delivery. I continue to edit and employ possible elements and media to complete each collage.  

The works included here are a blend of hand printed images on wood and repurposed paper. They are centered on commemorating life and highlighting Black male joy and vulnerability, strength, and sentiment. I have observed these emotions emanating from my twin brother as he evolved from being a single man, in the last year to becoming a husband and father to a female child in recent months. All these changes happening on the backdrop of the COVID pandemic. These works, a celebration of his resilience and faith, amidst the collective uncertainty about the future.  

Using analog collage as a vehicle, it is my intention to change the dynamics of how the Black body is viewed in a society that is divisive versus inclusive. My work raises awareness that sparks discussions around traveling back inwards and making space for reconciliation with self and other. I ultimately desire to create a space in which the Black body is celebrated.

@marryammomaart

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