ARTIST CV

CONTACT

Artist Statment/Bio, the Official Version

Cee “Payasa” Moses uses various mediums in to create work that is both cerebral and emotional. She often uses the contrast of the technical and human, emotional and logical, cold and warm (both in color and in concept) as integral components of her work. She often tackles controversial subjects like body image, tech dependence, sin, death, and guilt through religious lenses. Her artistic voice began to take form while learning about renaissance and medieval Christian artwork. The attention to detail and the diverse expressions of biblical stories and concepts in oils, tempera, and gold were awe inspiring even in their most simplest forms. Although to some it may seem sacrilegious, her work is comes from a position of reverence and authentic and respectful questioning. Juxtaposing then and now, Payasa is also heavily influenced by technology in several respects. Artistic interpretations and works are informed by our current dependence on technology, it’s rapid development, and its uncertain future. Artists that have inspired her include Frida Kahlo and H.R. Giger. She was further influenced by contemporary entertainment, including movies like the Matrix Trilogy, Metropolis, and Cloud Atlas (as well as the book), music in many forms, but in particular the music of Janelle Monae (Metropolis) and other artists, performers, and animators who tackle both technological and religious subjects. In addition to Christianity, Payasa is also influenced by many major and minor world religions.

Cee is a native of Augusta, Ga, and works in digital mediums as well as screenprinting, photography, and mixed media. She currently works as an art instructor and administrator.

About The ARtist

Payasa Art

Carmen “Payasa” Moses is an Augusta, Georgia native and has been known for her creativity since she was a child…Ok. Enough with the third person. Hello! I always find these things hard to write, as it is easier for me to brag on other people, but I’ll try. *Deep Breath* I like to be creative. In any form. Making this website. CREATIVE. Making a sandwich. CREATIVE. My favorite thing to create are screenprints. I started printmaking in college and fell in love with it. When i create digitally I sort of take the process I would to create screen prints, but execute it, well, digitally.

I like to describe myself as a brilliant disaster.

What does Payasa Even Mean?

Payasa is feminine form of the word “clown” in Spanish, the native tongue of my people. I’ve always been a “funny kid” (it’s genetic unfortunately, and I can prove it). I actually picked up the name when I was working with my friend Satire, my graffiti guru. I told him in 2009 that I had given up on art, and he looked at some of my old sketches and nudged me in the right direction to continue. He taught me the graffiti/street style and that became a gateway into rediscovering myself as an artist. As with any good street artist, I had to have a pretty badass name, so i went through several iterations of names until I found one pleasing enough to draw that meant something to me, or helped define me as an artist in some way. Et Voila. Payasa was born. My art during this time was still a bit fumby and baby giraffe like, and mostly experimentation with hallucinogenics like sharpie markers. (jk, don’t sniff markers).

So, What’s up with your Art Style?

My style is a commentary on the present as it compares to past and future via combination of technical and biological elements. My influences include classical artists, renaissance and medieval religious art, the music of Janelle Monae, a little bit of HR Giger. Speaking of science fiction, movies like the Matrix and Metropolis and these sort of tech dystopian motifs fuel my imagination as well. Also I’m in posthumous love with Frida Kahlo, who has also been a huge artistic inspiration in my life.

Anything Else?

I don’t know. My phone is 90 percent memes and inspirational photos. I say “YAAASSS” alot. I lose my keys daily.

My dog Lola doesn’t like it when I work from home. She also thinks she’s a parrot. I don’t bother correcting her.