Short Bio
Marcella Hayes Muhammad is a formally trained award winning published international visual artist, author and designer. Her work is well known for the emphasis and use of vibrant color.
Statement
“I am a narrative artist and my work explores the relationship between critical theory and emotional relationships. The consistent message at the core of my art practice is to empower and uplift the Black female. My work achieves an impact on the viewer using a deep reflection of rhythm, motion, detail and above all, color. Because of my formal education and many years in studio arts, I enjoy the diverse skill advantage of choosing either realism or my signature style of Plastic Space abstraction to carry my message. My favorite medium of choice is oil on canvas. My technique of application is often to use cloth, brushes and my fingers to move the oils around for the effects that I want to achieve. I use a prepared canvas with texture and other times I use a smooth canvas depending on the subject and sometimes I use collage for effect. I keep a focus on world events, research and the environment to explore ideas and produce statements in my art. I purposely incorporate elements within my abstract compositions to add another intellectual level to the narrative. I know I have a unique perspective as a Black female artist in America with something to say through my art, and my canvas is my voice speaking on things beautiful, cultural or very educational.”
Biography
Marcella Hayes Muhammad is a formally trained award winning published international fine artist, author and designer. She is a narrative artist and has a meaning behind each of her paintings. Her media of choice is oil on canvas and is recognized for, intricate detail and vibrant colors. She is well versed in Realism and her signature style of Plastic Space abstraction. After a successful career as an elementary teacher, Marcella retired and moved from California to the Atlanta, Georgia area. She started her own art business first as Maruva Studio and then with her sister as, Maruva DQ, Inc. creating her fine art works full time and licensing designs for products including print on demand wall art and clothing. Marcella earned her BFA with honors from the California State University at San Bernardino with dual teaching credentials. She also studied at the California College of Art and Design at Oakland and the University of California at Riverside.
Resume / CV
PUBLISHED BY: Fine Arts by Todd, Atlanta, GA; Paloma Editions, San Diego, CA; Carole Joy Creations, Inc., Brookfield, CT; African American Expressions™, Sacramento, CA
LICENSED BY: SunsOut, Inc., Costa Mesa, CA; African American Expressions™, Sacramento, CA; Montgomery Wallcoverings Co., Alexandria, VA; Soap Art by Lasting Impressions, Boca Raton, FL
JURIED SHOWS:
The ArtsXchange Southeast Community Cultural Center “Climate Change: Final Warning”; East Point, Georgia – July 15 – August 26, 2023
B’Mari Events & Art Studio “Women’s History Month Celebration Solo Exhibition” ; Jonesboro, Georgia – March 11 – May 15, 2023
Arts Clayton Cultural Center “Myths, Misconceptions, Marginalization” AAFTA Member Juried Exhibition 2023; Jonesboro, Georgia – January 13 – February 10, 2023
Emma Darnell Aviation Museum & Conference Center “Beyond Color Theory” AAFTA Member Juried Exhibition 2022; Atlanta, Georgia –June 11- July 8, 2022
Buckhead Branch Library; “AAFTA Member Juried Exhibition 2021”; Atlanta, Georgia –August 2 – October 31, 2021
Roswell Roots Arts Festival Virtual 2021; “Black History Month” Roswell, GA – February 1-28, 2021
Callanwolde Fine Art Center, “Black Men: Fathers, Brothers & Sons”; Atlanta, Georgia – September 28 – November 18, 2020
Haugabrooks On Auburn; “AAFTA Outsider Perspectives 2020” Member Juried Exhibition; Atlanta, GA – February 6 – April 30, 2020 *(cancelled mid show due to Corona Virus pandemic)
Art Station Contemporary Arts Center; Solo Exhibition; “Plastic Space the Jazz of Art” Stone Mountain, Georgia - January 18- March 22, 2020 *(cancelled mid show due to Corona Virus pandemic)
Art Station Contemporary Arts Center; Member Juried Exhibition & Competition; Stone Mountain, Georgia – March 30-May 21, 2019; Honorary Mention Award:
The National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture at Alabama State University “1619-2019: Hope, History, and Struggle for African American Freedom Art Exhibition; February 24, 2019 – December 10, 2019: Montgomery, Alabama
National Association of Artists from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (NAAHBCU) “Changing the Perspectives in Contemporary Art” October 26,2018-January 29, 2019: North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery; “Abstracts Art Exhibition” March 2018 Special Recognition Category Award: *Full CV available on request.
OTHER SHOWS:
Black Art In America Consignment; East Point, Georgia March - December 2022
NAAHBCU Group Travel Exhibition; Invitational; Durbar Hall Art Center, Ernakulam India January 12-19, 2020 / Extended to other museums in other cities to February 2021
Atlanta City Hall; Invitational “Inaugural artist / Mayor’s Gallery Exhibition” Solo Showing, Atlanta, GA April -May 31, 2018:
