Maya Shulz, a trailblazing artist with Bengali roots, is making history as the first Bengali artist selected for the prestigious Venice Biennale 2024, a milestone that places her among the global elite of contemporary art. The Venice Biennale is one of the most esteemed art events in the world, celebrated for showcasing groundbreaking work and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. For Maya, this honour signifies not only personal achievement but also a proud moment of representation for the British-Bengali community on an international stage.
Her work captures the essence of cultural identity, emotion, and creative experimentation. A self-taught artist with a deep connection to her Asian heritage, Schulz’s work is an exploration of colour and texture, each layer telling a story that reflects her life and experiences. Her fascination with the power of colour and its ability to evoke emotion is a driving force in her artistic process. “I love experimenting and creating something unique,” Schulz explains, “I am fascinated with the power of colour and how it can evoke emotions. This leads to bold, vibrant pieces to fill any space with joy and wonder!”
Growing up, Schulz was greatly influenced by her father, an immigrant who built his own business, instilling in her a strong sense of perseverance and the importance of hard work. “I didn’t have to rediscover my love for art, as it has been a big part of my identity,” she shares, emphasising how art has always been a vital part of her life. Her works blend her cultural heritage with the broader human experience, resulting in pieces that are emotionally resonant and aesthetically compelling.
Beyond Borders: A Summer Showcase
In the summer of 2024, Schulz presented her Beyond Borders exhibition, co-created with actor-turned-artist Nitin Ganatra OBE, the exhibition transcends the physical and metaphorical borders that divide us, shining a light on the universality of human experience. A powerful collection that delved into the themes of identity, migration, and connection. The exhibition was a culmination of her ongoing exploration of how cultural boundaries and personal experiences shape an individual’s journey. Through a striking combination of mixed media, bold colours, and layered textures, Beyond Borders invited viewers to reflect on their own identities and the fluidity of borders—both literal and metaphorical. The pieces in the exhibition portrayed the complexity of heritage, blending traditional Asian influences with modern artistic expression.
The show was a vibrant celebration of diversity and personal expression, highlighting Schulz’s ability to create work that speaks to universal themes while remaining deeply personal. Her use of colour in Beyond Borders was particularly noteworthy, as each hue seemed to hold its own narrative, evoking feelings of nostalgia, longing, and hope. Schulz’s ability to combine texture with emotional depth was on full display, as viewers found themselves not only admiring the visual impact of her work but also engaging with the underlying stories.
A Lasting Impact
Schulz’s exhibition left a lasting impact on both critics and art enthusiasts. Her unique approach to layering stories through mixed media allowed her to push the boundaries of traditional art forms, creating a dialogue between cultures, memories, and emotions. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Maya Schulz remains committed to exploring the intersections of colour, texture, and personal history—creating art that not only beautifies spaces but also invites introspection and connection.
For anyone seeking to bring joy, depth, and a rich sense of culture into their environment, Schulz’s work is a must-see. Whether through her summer exhibition Beyond Borders or her ongoing projects, Maya Schulz continues to prove that art has the power to transcend boundaries, tell powerful stories, and evoke the deepest of emotions.
