Meet Monika Anne Cunningham | Artist & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monika Anne Cunningham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monika Anne, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in the beautiful islands of The Bahamas with Trinidadian roots. Growing up on the islands gave me perspective of hope, vibrancy and creativity. It also gave me the impact of learning how to be resilient and persevere during difficult times. It has shaped my art expression and my bright emotive color choices. Also who I decide to render as my subject matter, are often people I have encountered on the island. It is also inspired by the clear blue waters of our beaches, pink, orange, yellow sunsets the skies, and the sweet sounds of Junkanoo and Soca music. It has made a huge impact on how I see the world. I dream in color, and express with passion. It was not always easy but when hard times came, the strength and the how I was raised to be authentic and persevere not matter how hard or large the obstacle built a resilience like no other. I Watching my mother work extremely hard everyday determined to make My battle with my anxiety disorder was not easy to navigate in The Bahamas because of lack of resources but my art helped me get through it all. I truly believe that art heals and although I now live in the United States, my goal is to get the education, experience and resources to bring art therapy centers to my country to help in mental health/illness. I want to make an impact through my art and voice. I am so so grateful my unique story, bright lively culture and the challenges that shaped who I am today. An island gyal chasing her dreams!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I truly believe that art heals. My goal as an artist is to create uplifting art that brings healing and awareness to mental health/illnesses through emotive vibrant color choices and imagery. Sharing my story and encounters of joy, healing and hope. My art mainly consists of portraiture with color palettes of bright joyful hues telling stories of the heart of my childhood on the island, my battle with anxiety as well as encounters of inspiration. I want every viewer is engaging and absorbing every emotion and message. Creating freely, being authentically being myself. and advocating for the creative economy is my responsibility as an artist and I am determined to express how much art heals. What sets me apart is how I render the paintings with movement, strong gaze and using colors unapologetically. I am only able to be where I am through God and my support system along the years and everyday as it isn’t an easy journey. The challenges of trying to get my art and brand out there coming from the islands of The Bahamas to the US. Also, navigating my anxiety and depression disorder, some days I didn’t believe in myself or felt too sad and confused to get up and paint. Financially getting the supplies and resources on my own was often difficult but resilience and faith kept me going. I have learned that it is okay to not always be okay and channeling the darkness into creating light is important. Another lesson I have learned and I am still learning is to lean on the people you love even when it is scary and remember trying new things or asking does not hurt. I want the world to know that Monika Anne is going to use her art and voice to be a light and change the world. Bringing awareness to mental health/illness through art and determined to express how much Art Heals!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would say Jojo’s Coffee in Scottsdale is the perfect bunch place, Central Records was one of first spots I checked out in Phoenix for a music and wine vibe and it amazing! The best wine, vinyl records and energy! Culinary Dropout restaurant, Famous Dave’s BBQ- The best BBQ! I would also recommend going to the Scottsdale Contemporary Art Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Hive on 16th, Palabras bookstore, Sketch Club Cafe and The Nuture House who I will be having an art exhibition with next month! These places I have met the warmest most beautiful people who provide amazing service and are so inspiring and welcoming!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely would not be who or where I am today without God, my immediate family, host family in Arkansas and my mentors from undergrad at the University of Central Arkansas. I want to specifically shoutout my mother, Dr. Joanne Cunningham also :

Shellie O’Quinn, Dr. Gayle Seymour, Chair Bryan Massey, Dr. Trina Harlow, Dr. Jennifer Parrack, Allan Pachino Wallace, Antonius Roberts, Marco Mullings (mentors/support system) my best friends Ayana Williams, Louise Mandumbwa, Tyrone Darling.
and also want to shoutout Nakeya Palmer, Yennifer Lopez. and Henry Pineda Ospina. Organizations: Arkansans for the Arts, Conway Art Walk, The Charitable Arts Foundation and University of Central Arkansas (undergraduate) and my new university, New York University (masters)

Their love, empathy, support and mentorship throughout my journey thus far with mentorship, education, attending my exhibitions, pop up art events, and picking me up during my lowest moments; words can not describe how much gratitude I have for them and it truly takes strong community of people who lead with love and encouragement to stay motivated and continue to dream big!

Website: https://www.moniianneart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniianneart/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monika.cunningham.359/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@moniianne

Image Credits
Alexander King Yennifer Lopez Rafael Fuchs