Miyakah
Toronto, Canada
“Through art, I exist unapologetically and express my truth authentically.”
Miyakah’s (they/them/theirs) art is a reflection of their neurodivergent identity, ancestral heritage, and a commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities. Born in Saskatchewan, Miyakah grew up being marveled by the majestic Western Canadian skies and the rich artistic traditions of Africa and global Indigenous cultures. These influences weren't just mere inspirations, but rather the very essence of beauty that shaped Miyakah's perception of the world.
Growing up, Miyakah often felt like an outsider, a feeling that fueled their creativity into creating bold, defiant, and expressive artwork. Living with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, they were acutely aware of their differences in communication and behavior. Miyakah also experienced Alexithymia, a common comorbidity that makes it difficult to recognize and source emotions.
A key shift came when they were able to use artwork as a tool for broadening connection. Miyakah explains, “I spent my entire life drawing and doodling, however, when I started sharing my artwork with others, the feedback I was receiving seemed to be shining light on my feelings. It seemed as though my emotions were finally being labeled, heard, and understood by others.” They then started sharing their art specifically for that purpose. “I would ask people what they would ‘see’ or ‘feel’ in a painting and then I would be able to take that information and think about whether or not those may be the feelings that I was feeling while painting. I realized that although I couldn’t put words to my feelings, I could use this to communicate my feelings with others, ultimately allowing me to feel as though I could connect with others.”
It was from this practice that Miyakah's artistic journey began to unfold. To view Miyakah's work within the question ‘what is the truth being expressed here’ is to engage with their work on a deeper, more direct level. Miyakah asserts that their process begins with an impulse, “an itch aimed at making what is invisible, elusive, and intangible” within them, “visible, visual and well defined.” Their work comes from the personal “gifts and unique sight as a neurodivergent person; in that way, each brushstroke is both stimming, and an affixation of innate ability to perceive and internalize the subtle, complex energies” around them.
Creativity has always been Miyakah’s refuge, however, one day during the pandemic, during a particularly overwhelming period, Miyakah picked up a paintbrush and let instinct take over. This was the beginning of the transition of claiming their space as a professional artist. “My style is bold, defiant, and formless, blending chaos, sensation, and emotion with dynamic movement. I translate unseen structures and raw energy into instinctive compositions that challenge perception and subvert normativity,” they express.
Some of Miyakah’s work falls into what they call Neo-Trance Ancestralism. The tradition of Ancestralism is based in the belief that power and wisdom flow through the living from various levels of consciousness due to their lineage. Miyakah's work is reminiscent of renowned artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Carlos Almaraz, and Jackson Pollock. These works highlight a contemplative exploration of self and are rooted in honouring their ancestry and envisioning the future.
Beginning each artwork intuitively, Miyakah enjoys using oil paint sticks, as well as both oil and acrylic paints. Often working on more than one piece at a time, Miyakah is very responsive to accepting commission work based on song requests, a process by which comes naturally to them as an artist with synesthesia, a neurological condition which stimulates one sense, involuntarily producing a perception of another sense (sound to visual art).
Miyakah credits much of their understanding of communication in the world, and recognition of its beauty in their perspective of art equals freedom. “I've learned that my perspective is my power. Creating art has shown me the beauty in chaos, the strength in authenticity, and the importance of embracing my neurodivergence and identity unapologetically.” Miyakah looks forward to partnership with ArtLifting as it aligns with their mission to “challenge norms, foster inclusivity and will allow me to share my perspective as a neurodivergent artist.”
