Curated Talks w/ Mayesa Mira

Curated Talks w/ Mayesa Mira continues our exploration of conversations with pioneers in art, design, technology, and architecture. These individuals captivate us not only with their innovative work but also with their profound insights into creativity and life itself. This series is more than a celebration of their achievements; it's a deep dive into their motivations, challenges, and vision of the world through their art.

Born into a world where emotions and societal issues heavily influence her work, Mayesa Mira has established herself as a notable artist of our times. Her art is characterized by its deep emotional resonance and its ability to tell compelling stories. Mira shares her journey and insights through ten thought-provoking questions, offering a glimpse into her creative universe and personal evolution.

‍1—If you could only keep one of your works, which would it be?

"Lágrimas" was one of the first works I painted using pure mineral pigments over 150 years old that were gifted to me. I had no idea how to use them, and every moment spent in front of a paper or canvas was pure fascination. On my birthday in 2014, 276 girls were kidnapped in Nigeria while in class. The anguish and impact I felt led me to paint it on paper. I painted a gaze, sad yet full of light. The light of a world that vibrates with love and beauty. Seeing how the pigments created living microorganisms before my eyes when they reacted chemically upon mixing inspired something very profound that guided me. I stopped thinking and just continued painting wherever the work took me for the first time, until a rose emerged—a rose born from a living tree with a woman's face offering the world different, subtle solutions. Turning my feelings and emotions so radically by seeing how this universe's creation expands naturally, creating beauty, impacted and fascinated me so thoroughly that I never wanted to paint with other materials again. Nor make sketches or think about what I paint.

2—Which historical artist would you like to spend a day with in their studio?

Leonardo da Vinci. I have reverence and fascination for him, his research, discoveries, and genius as an artist and precursor. To me, he is a restless mind, brilliantly illuminated like few others in history. I would ask him all the questions he allowed me to ask. And I would spend days silently observing him paint and investigate creation.

3—In a world limited to one colour, which would you choose?

White. Because all colors are in it, and I could see them in the light when it breaks down.

4—A film that resonates with you.

It's almost impossible to choose! I love cinema! One of my favorites overall is "Shakespeare in Love."

5—Any book you would recommend?

"One Thousand and One Nights" illustrated by José Segrelles. It's a gem.

6—What plays in your studio while you're creating?

Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and Wagner's "Tannhäuser" are my favorite trio. Then more Wagner, more opera, Handel, Baroque, Mahler... Ennio Morricone. Chinese and Japanese flute music... It depends. Sometimes even shamanic drums.

7—Where do you find inspiration for your works?

In life, in what happens, in fragility, in society, in things and people who are socially almost invisible. In music. I like to tell stories, share what I think and feel through the visual arts. Create collections with a guiding thread, study it, feel it for a few months, and then immerse myself in nature to express it.

8—If your work could be summarised in one emotion, what would it be?

Enthusiasm for discovery, experimentation, living, and sharing.

9—Nominate an artist we should know about.

Manolo Valdés

10—What question would you leave for the next guest?

What inspired you to create one of your most iconic works and continue developing similar pieces?

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Mayesa Mira's engagement with Curated Talks highlights the emotional depth and societal reflections that permeate her work. Her thoughts remind us of art's power to connect us with our emotions, challenge our perceptions, and expand our understanding of the world around us. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions in future editions of Curated Talks.

Discover more about Mayesa Mira's work by visiting her website and following her on Instagram.

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