Yigsy Magaly, also known as "Kat," is a Salvadorian-American artist born in El Salvador and raised in New Jersey. Initially drawn to photorealistic portraiture, Yigsy has evolved her style, embracing minimalistic aesthetics to challenge artistic norms.
In her series of paintings featuring abstract figures called "Blanxs," she deliberately omits facial expressions. This intentional choice allows the lines and colors to convey emotional depth, enabling viewers to connect profoundly with the artwork. Yigsy places a careful focus on the expressive potential of lines and colors, recognizing them as pivotal elements in conveying emotions. This approach accentuates the significance of body language and the nuanced interplay of lines and colors, presenting a distinctive and immersive experience for the audience.
Her work practice involves using paint markers instead of traditional brushes. She creates a captivating 3D effect by extending her art beyond the canvas, painting the sides of her canvases and inviting viewers into her carefully crafted imaginary world.
A graduate of Mason Gross School of the Arts, Yigsy's innovative approach to visual storytelling invites viewers to connect with their emotions through the delicate interplay of lines and colors.
CV
Education:
(2020) - Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, BFA
Solo Exhibitions:
2019: “Closed & Exposed”, at Mason Gross Project Space - New Brunswick, NJ
2018: “Just a Thought”, at Mason Gross Project Space - New Brunswick, NJ
2017: “Warm but Cool Tones " , at Mason Gross Project Space - New Brunswick, NJ
2016: “Intro to Kat”, at Mason Gross Project Space - New Brunswick, NJ
Two-Person Exhibition:
2023 - Consumed by Creativity, Showcase in collaboration with Angel Duran, Electrical Jungle - Jersey City, NJ
2023 - Unfamiliar Faces, Showcase in collaboration with Angel Duran, OneRiver Art School - Clark, NJ
2019 - “Untitled”, Showcase in collaboration with Angel Duran, at Mason Gross Project Space - New Brunswick, NJ
Group Exhibitions:
2024 - Red 7, at Perth Amboy Gallery - Perth Amboy, NJ
2024 - Vibrant Melodies, at Buds & Blooms - Englewood, NJ
2024 - Static Motion, at Art 150 Gallery - Jersey City, NJ
2024 - Diaspora, at Perth Amboy Gallery - Perth Amboy, NJ
2024 - Underground Armoire, at Sour Mouse LES - New York, NY
2023 - The WAE Open 2023 Heidi Gallery at JSDD - Livingston, NJ
2023 - Art Fair 14C Liberty State Park - Jersey City, NJ
2023 - Behind City Walls Caelum Gallery - Chelsea, NY
2023 - High Thoughts The Green Room - Englewood, NJ
2023 - The Bititis, Carter Fine Art Services - Montclair, NJ
2023 - Love Hurts, at UGLYSTUDIO. - Leonia, NJ
2023 - Curtain Call, at Mason Gross Galleries - New Brunswick, NJ
2022 - UGLY STUDIO., at UGLYSTUDIO. - Leonia, NJ
2022 - A Breathe of Fresh Air, at Buds & Blooms - Englewood, NJ
2021 - Unrequited!, at Caelum Gallery - Chelsea, NY
2021 - Layers, David Dupuy Gallery - Manhattan, NY
2021 - The Crowd, 7House Gallery - Brooklyn, NY
2020 - Windows of Understanding Projects of New Brunswick Community Arts Council - New Brunswick, NJ
2019 - Vision for the Future, at Mason Gross Galleries - New Brunswick, NJ
2019 - A Burden To Bare - Ridgewood, NY
2019 - The Blacker The Berry Exhibition, Busch Student Center - Piscataway, NJ
2019 - Up In The Clouds at GSAH - New Brunswick, NJ
2018 - Onwards and Upwards, at Mason Gross Galleries - New Brunswick
2017 - Between Either & Or at Mason Gross - New Brunswick, NJ
2016 - William Paterson Art Show at William Paterson Gallery - Wayne, NJ
Exhibitions Curated:
2019 - Vision for the Future at Mason Gross Galleries, New Brunswick
2019 - Up In The Clouds at GSAH, New Brunswick, NJ
Recognition/Awards:
2019 - Scarlet Promise Grant, at Rutgers University
2019 - Distinguished Scholar Award, at Rutgers University
2019 - Ruth Crocket Art, at Rutgers University
2018 - Ruth Crocket Art, at Rutgers University
2016 - Best Painting Award, at William Paterson University
