JayCee Beyale - M.A.D. Friend
JayCee grew up in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and received his BFA in printmaking from the University of New Mexico. JayCee is now based in Denver, Colorado, where he continues his work as a founding member of the Creative Nations Arts Collective for Indigenous Artists based at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. In addition to co-curating exhibitions, producing events including an annual Indigenous Arts Fair, JayCee frequently travels to collaborate with fellow artists and commissioning organizations throughout the Southwest on murals and other projects.
JayCee's connection to his aboriginal culture is grounded in his artistic practice. His personal identity, background and pride in who he is and where he comes from has always been at the heart of his work.
JayCee's career as an artist began with his discovery of street art and graffiti. Using a combination of spray paints and acrylics, JayCee celebrates the fusion of technology with Indigenous culture, primarily in paintings and murals. JayCee's work is deeply influenced by music, while the combination of traditional Indigenous ideologies with his Buddhist practice is equally important to his artmaking, through which he strives to illuminate core concepts and convictions: the Laws of Movement, Unity and Impermanence.
“As an Indigenous artist, it is a privilege to translate our stories into shared visual languages. I invite individuals from all communities and backgrounds to enjoy these pieces and continue their support in the celebration , preservation, and compensation of Indigenous Arts and Artists” - JayCee Beyale