NA’YE PEREZ
Na’ye Perez is an Afro-Caribbean American anti-disciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. Having moved frequently throughout his childhood—from Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio; Camden, New Jersey; and eventually New York—Perez’s lived experiences deeply influence his artistic practice. He creates powerful mixed-media works that amplify the Black experience, celebrate community, and honor his roots.
Na’ye Perez has exhibited at BRIC (Brooklyn, NY), Oolite Arts (Miami Beach, FL), Pratt Gallery (NY), and Montclair State University Galleries (Montclair, NJ). He is presented by Welancora Gallery. His work appears in the personal collections of Carrie Mae Weems and Derek Fordjour, and in the collection of the University of Toledo. Perez holds an MFA from Pratt Institute.
Instagram @naye_davinci1914
Photo courtesy of the Artist, Na’ye Perez
February 1 - 28, 2025
10 Times Square Billboard, South East Corner of 41st Street and 7th Avenue
PRESENTED BY ZAZ CORNER “IN BETWEEN”
This February, ZAZcorner proudly presents a digital exhibition featuring Na’ye Perez’s artworks, showcasing his unique approach to storytelling through layered textures, found objects, and vibrant imagery. Coinciding with Black History Month, the exhibition celebrates Perez’s commitment to honoring Black presence—its resilience, culture, and everyday beauty.
“My audience is, first and foremost, Black people. Even though I start with my own experiences and memories, my work is bigger than that. I want people to hopefully find a little bit of themselves in the work.” — Na’ye Perez
Using unconventional materials—such as MTA cards, fedex packaging slips, magazine. Sand taken from various locations such Coney Island, Orchard Beach in NY or dottweiler Beach in LA—Perez’s art bridges the past and present, blending historical references with personal and communal narratives. His works commemorate Black life in neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy, Canarsie, and Flatbush, transforming everyday objects into powerful narratives of resilience, culture, and history.
Chasing Feeling / No New Wave (Only the Sea) (2023): A visceral exploration of memory and migration, this piece merges urban landscapes with symbols of Caribbean culture. Layers of Ting labels, rose gold leaf, and skateboard grip tape create a textured narrative of belonging.
Higher, Thy Will / Peace of Mind (2022): Paying homage to Black excellence and resistance, this painting features a high jumper mid-flight, referencing both the Pan-African flag and symbols of protest, underscoring themes of perseverance and empowermen
What You Know Bout Love (2022): Inspired by the late rapper Pop Smoke, this monumental piece is both a celebration of life and a memorial. Crafted with MTA cards, magazine clippings, and gel transfers, it captures the vibrant spirit of Flatbush Avenue.
Mood / Toast / No L’s (2022): A visual anthem of joy, survival, and triumph, this work uses acrylic paint, spray paint, and found materials to celebrate everyday moments in Black neighborhoods and the resilience of community life.
Artistic Approach
Perez’s creative process is grounded in community and accessibility. His work explores shared experiences and materiality, channeling Black presence into everyday settings and histories. Incorporating layered symbolism and cultural references—from Hip Hop and Black thought leaders to graffiti and community spaces—Perez creates works that resonate deeply with his audience.
Community engagement is central to his practice. Perez has transformed museum spaces into places of belonging by hosting spades games and jump rope performances, fostering dialogue while inviting active participation. By embedding QR codes with playlists into his murals or repurposing discarded objects from Black neighborhoods, Perez connects audiences to the environments and stories that inspire his art.
PRESS
