UNVEILING MAYA
JOSAMA
It was during the “die hard” era of New York’s graffiti scene where ten year-old Josama would lay his foundation as a visual artist. Within one year, he was keeping black books full of designs. He studied fine arts at Altos de Chavón — immersing himself in Renaissance masters, Mexican muralists, contemporary painters. His work is a living dreamscape that cross-pollinates historical moments with pop-culture iconography and everyday street life.
“Growing up in old NYC was priceless. It taught me how to think quick and outside the box. The different characters and personalities I’ve met over the years all make their way into my work.”
An only child, Josama was raised and artistically inspired by his mother, Ingrid Madera, an internationally renowned sculptor, artist and survivor. His childhood was nomadic — a modern day gypsy, he and his mother moved incessantly throughout various neighbourhoods and states. It was during the die-hard era of New York’s graffiti scene that ten year-old Josama would lay his foundation as a visual artist.
The combination of his vagabond lifestyle, artistic upbringing and devotion to hip-hop culture are the factors responsible for his unique artistic expression. Infusing elements of symbology, psychology and spirituality, Josama’s pieces are engaging and evoke a thought-provoking analysis of the imagery conveyed.
Greatest inspirations or influences?
Growing up in old NYC was priceless. It taught me how to think quick and outside the box. All the positive and negative experiences I accumulate play a critical role. The different characters and personalities I’ve met over the years all make their way into my work.
My mother Ingrid Madera, who is an artist, nurtured my gifts and exposed me to a world of art, music, dance and theatre I would’ve otherwise never known. Popular culture — movies, cartoons, TV, magazines — all play their part.
“My mother Ingrid Madera nurtured my gifts and exposed me to a world of art, music, dance and theatre I would’ve otherwise never known.”
JosamaTell us about Unveiling Maya at SPIN New York.
The show is a culmination of my work from the past three years. My earlier works are part of a collection called “Loss of Innocence” — exploring the traumatic stress that accompanies growing up poor, Black and Latino in a system devised to keep us institutionalised. Pop culture references from childhood mixed with the urban decay of yesteryears.
My newer work is entitled “Holey Water for Holey War” — the unveiling of a hidden truth. Waterfalls, twisters, storm clouds, Shamans, Monks, Santeras, Sadhus. All reaching toward that divine truth within us all — which is oneness in love.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Read between the lines, think outside the box and tell the children the truth. Every voice no matter how small makes a difference once activated. It’s all a matter of timing and synchronicity. Light, truth and remembering who we really are will reign supreme.
Growing up poor, Black and Latino. Pop culture references from childhood fused with the urban decay of yesteryears. The suffering of a child surrounded by demons in a decaying world. Living through necessary evil to grow spiritually.
Waterfalls, twisters, storm clouds. Shamans, Monks, Santeras, Sadhus. All reaching toward that divine truth within us all — oneness in love. From apocalypse back to Genesis. The ending is only the beginning in infinity.
NEW YORK
In 2007, best friends Jonathan Bricklin and Franck Raharinosy had a wild idea — to practice ping pong around the clock and get good enough to make the USA Olympic Team. In their quest for greatness, they began hosting weekly ping pong parties. These gatherings quickly grew, drawing a diverse crowd of artists, musicians, bankers, and professional players, creating a vibrant energy and community around the game.
Teaming up with Andrew Gordon, they launched SPIN’s flagship on Park Avenue in summer 2009. SPIN has since transformed ping pong into a vibrant social movement blending play, art, and community — an inclusive experience where everyone is welcome to pick up a paddle. Josama’s Unveiling Maya was exactly that kind of event.
Read: Beyond the Table — Franck Raharinosy ↗An independent platform dedicated to artists, musicians, photographers, designers, and thinkers at every stage. Every interview is selected for depth, not reach.
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