Artist Statement & Bio
Statement:
As a textile artist and painter, the city neighborhood and design influences of my hometown sparked my interest in rhythm and color combinations. Through process is where the gems of my investigations are crafted together and rest at a work’s final stage. In my practice, I weave together warp and weft threads, uniting them with alternative materials such as paper, plastic with a variety of yarns and strings. By incorporating different widths, weave patterns, and textures, I play with surface and dimensions, leaving loose warp threads to give breath to or by adding macrame to continue the energy of the weaving. Layering, mark-making, color arrangement and resists are emphasized and given precedent in my work.
A void of space or a blank piece of canvas or paper sits in stillness. It waits to be filled. It waits for me, the artist, to add the noise. I intersect strings to create a surface. With utensils, such as string, toothpicks, caps and other found objects I dip them in the liquid medium. From there I then press them onto the surface. The moment, the interaction of the materials meeting together can not exist forever. As a result, the mark is what remains; the remnants, the memory of what once was. Nothing left to do but to grow, and expand from this initial gesture. To grow, yes, but also to cover up, alter, subtract, reveal, and to minimize as well as maximizing.
The final stage has been reached, the piece created and transformed. The high volume of activity has settled down. Now all that remains is a steady heartbeat, the rhythm of a piece brought to life into this physical world. It is through this material investigation and transformation that leads me to my current body of work. Approaching objects, such as the easel, I study, construct and alter its form; seeking a different or more evolved purpose for the object.
Biography:
Tarilayefa Nanakumo is an artist currently residing in Pennsylvania. Her artwork explores the depiction of visual rhythm through techniques of layering and mark-making. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Nanakumo was heavily influenced by the city’s compilation of design that spanned over its many areas (which includes; art, music, engineering, business, transportation, institutions, and landmarks); traditions and innovations that stemmed from a diverse set of cultures, histories, and people. Whether the art was widely spread (such as commercial art, marketing, or advertisements), was at most times unofficial, but yet frequent (such as graffiti art), or more curatorial (such as work in exhibitions), these things reflected the energy of the city. A city that is always moving. always breathing. An element of ‘activity’ is important in her work; whether it be loud or soft, fast or slow. An art practice, whose foundation is centralized on process, Nanakumo abstract compositions are translated in her basketry, ink paintings, acrylic paintings and weavings. Material investigation is a basis for her work. The fruits of the investigation are harvested during the process of making. The understanding, reflections and adjustments that are made during this period, are represented in the artwork’s final form. Nanakumo understands that an artist has an intent or designated purpose for their piece to communicate, but recognizes the historical associations and meanings that subconsciously influence the work; it’s creation and representation.
Nanakumo is also a small business owner. She is the founder and owner of Kariebi Andrews Studios LLC. Through her business, Nanakumo shares, displays and sells her artwork. These products are the materializations of her artistic explorations that she makes available for prospective clients to purchase a piece of their own. Nanakumo has participated in art markets, such as the Manayunk Arts Festival, the Cherry Street Pier Artist and Artisan Market, and the Printmaker Pop-Up Market at Arthur Ross Gallery. By being present in these events, Nanakumo strives to reach the community and to introduce skills and techniques involving the hand; bringing awareness to the structure of everyday items that are at times overlooked in the busyness of our everyday lives.
Tarilayefa Nanakumo attended Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. There she earned her BFAs in Fibers & Material Studies and in Painting, with a minor in Art History. Nanakumo attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts; there she completed their Master of Fine Arts Program in 2022.