ECO-AESTHETICS IN MOTION

Solo Show presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas

12063 SW 131st Ave, Miami, FL 33186

Curated by Sophie Bonet

August 2nd to 24th, 2024

We are proud to present Eco-Aesthetics in Motion, an exhibition featuring MaiYap’s Gratitude series—an evocative body of work that merges abstract painting with environmental awareness. Rooted in her upbringing in Panama and shaped by her Chinese heritage, MaiYap’s art reflects a balance between cultural tradition and the vitality of the natural world. This dual influence creates a visual language that is both serene and dynamic.

Initiated in 2016, the Gratitude series marks a turning point in her artistic journey. Moving away from realism, MaiYap embraced abstraction and softened her color palette, shifting from bold tones to gentle pastels. Through these subtler hues, she conveys a quiet yet powerful message: by recognizing beauty, we may become more attentive to the planet’s needs. Using a palette knife, she builds layered, textured surfaces that invite contemplation and symbolize the complex relationship between humanity and nature.

Her practice also reflects environmental responsibility. By recycling materials and minimizing waste, MaiYap acknowledges the tension between artistic creation and ecological impact, embodying a mindful approach that echoes her themes. Symbolic elements—such as wind-like patterns and gestural markings—further express the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. Together, these works encourage reflection on our shared responsibility for the environment.

More than an exhibition, Eco-Aesthetics in Motion is a call to awareness and action. It invites viewers to engage deeply, appreciate beauty, and consider how creativity and mindfulness can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Sophie Bonet