From graduating from one of the UK’s most prestigious schools of fine art to being commissioned by BAFTA, Maya Simms is an emerging artist on the rise and one to keep a close eye on. In the wake of Black History Month UK, we had a chance to touch base with this sensational talent and learn more about her practice, views, and future plans.
All images courtesy of the artist
Raphael: Tell us about yourself, your practice, and journey as an artist. How has being based in the UK informed your work and shaped your artistic vision and perspective?
Maya:My name is Maya Simms, and I am an artist based in East London. I graduated from Slade School of Fine Art in 2023 and studied at the Royal Drawing School in 2021/2022.
I am currently working independently. I aim to examine the multidimensional nature of painting, exploring its character in different traditional and non-traditional formats. Having both English and Jamaican heritage and growing up in London fostered a constant search for ways to understand and tackle the layered emotions of the histories that permeate a culture built from prejudices, protests, and pioneers. I try to navigate this wider context through my work, as well as my own personal history.
Raphael: Black History Month UK is a month dedicated to showcasing the achievements and contributions of the UK’s black community. In the realms of art and creativity, black people have long been pioneers and trailblazers. Who are some Black British creatives that have inspired your journey so far?
All images courtesy of the artist
Maya: Sonia Boyce, Donald Rodney, Benjamin Zephaniah, Claudette Johnson, Simon Webbe, Joan Armatrading, Steve McQueen, Hew Locke, Barbara Walker are a few of the creatives who have inspired me. The whole BLK Art Movement of the 1980s is full of brilliance, collaboration, companionship, and resilience, which has contributed to the opportunities young black artists and British artists of the global majority can draw inspiration from.
Raphael: After many years occupying the fringes of the British art market, artists of black heritage are increasingly gaining recognition for their work and being offered more opportunities and partnerships. What are your thoughts on the state of the British art ecosystem and landscape as it pertains to equity, equality, and inclusion?
Maya: I am really excited about the progress being made to work towards a more equal British art market, especially as an emerging artist. However, I feel there is still work to be done to truly reach a place where the British art ecosystem is inclusive and equal.
Black artists are still being boxed into a corner, where only a select few are pushed. As a Black artist, there is no room for mediocrity—you must shine brighter than bright to even have a chance of being recognized, to have a foot in the room, and to have your work appreciated and seen. We must continue to claim space and make those spaces feel safe and reflective of our society.
140cm x 180cm
All images courtesy of the artist
Raphael: The UK is known globally for its rich cultural heritage and art institutions. Which museums or major galleries would be a dream for you to show at, and why?
Maya: Mariane Ibrahim, David Zwiener, Gagosian, PM/AM, The Approach, Southbank Centre, Serpentine. It would be an honour to have the opportunity to show work in these galleries.
Raphael: On a global scale, Black British artists have built a reputation for exceptionalism, led by the likes of Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Chris Ofili, and Sonia Boyce, to name just a few. What do you think it is about the UK that fosters this culture of brilliance among its artists?
oil paint and stick on gilded canvas,
240 x 120 cm
All images courtesy of the artist
Maya: There is no argument that the UK has some of the best schools of art and galleries which generate amazing talent. However, I am unsure that the UK really ‘fosters’ a culture of brilliance. Rather, it is the individuals who are determined to harness their experience of growing up or living in the UK, which nourishes their work.
The brilliance of artists in groups like the BLK Group was in the individual’s own talent and the collective effort to notice the gaps in opportunities for black artists and build a community where work would be seen and appreciated. The continual drive to learn, practice, refine their craft, and ensure they are seen.
Raphael: What have been some of the most memorable exhibitions showcasing Black British artists you have visited in the UK, and why did they leave such an impression on you?
Maya: ‘In The Black Fantastic’ – Southbank Centre, ‘Life Between Islands’ – Tate, Jennifer Packer: ‘The Eye is Not Satisfied with Seeing’ – Serpentine, ‘James Barnor: Accra/London – A Retrospective’ – Serpentine, ‘Entangled Pasts’ – RA.
Raphael: Tell us about your favourite show you have been a part of to date, and what made it so special?
Maya: I am still emerging as an artist and have not currently been in an exhibition. However, I will be in a group exhibition at the end of October! I look forward to continuing to gain opportunities to show my work.
119.5 x 242.5 cm
All images courtesy of the artist
Raphael: Who are your top three Black British artists, living or late, and why?
Maya: Lubaina Himid – A pioneer of the Black Arts Movement. Her sculptural work of cut-out characters really inspired me to explore wood sculpture. It was so striking walking among multiple cutouts of characters in the ‘Entangled Pasts’ exhibition.
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye – An inspiring creative. I love her expressive style of painting; each brush stroke holds life. Denzil Forrester – Pure soul, rhythm, and music. His work feels like a memory of my childhood, of music and dance.
Raphael: What can we expect from you going into 2025? Are there any opportunities, news, or shows coming up that you would like to share?
Maya: I will be in an upcoming group exhibition by RROWM at Copeland Gallery, ‘How Do We Reconcile’ from 25th–27th October. You will be able to see my most recent work, ‘The Moon’s Net,’ in person, alongside the work of talented Black artists.
Raphael: Any final words, shout-outs, or cheeky plugs you’d like to give?
Maya: Thank you, Art Plugged, for featuring me in the Black History Month Q&A! Please follow my Instagram for updates on what I am up to, @msimmsofficial, as well as my website: mayasimms.com.
©2024 Maya Simms
