Biography

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born and raised on Chicago’s Southside, Kayla Mahaffey (aka: Kayla May) grew up learning to appreciate the charm and soul of her city. The world around her showed how beauty still coexists between the grittiness of our society and how the line between whimsy and reality blurs from time to time. Occasionally, taking inspiration from media and adding two-dimensional or abstract elements, her colorful paintings contain hints of whimsy and realism that tell a story of identity, nostalgia, and social topics that sometimes go unheard.

KAYLA MAHAFFEY
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Selected Works


To achieve true harmony in our society, we must first nurture our relationships and ourselves by tending to the things that bring us joy and fulfillment. Whether it's our family, friends, or our passion, we must give these things the time and attention they deserve.
In our lives, we all work tirelessly to build relationships and maintain the things that we hold dear. From our families to our friends, to the hobbies that bring us joy, we invest time, effort, and love into nurturing these connections. These bonds serve as the foundation to our lives, giving us support, comfort, and a sense of belonging.
Just like a beautifully constructed building, relationships must be carefully tended to in order to thrive. We must constantly work to protect and shelter one another from harm. This means dedicating time to really listen to one another and be there in times of need.
Artist Statement

"Her style, a mixture of Pop Art and Afro-Surrealism, makes for a bright and colorful experience that packs a punch, as well as sends an important message with each piece. "
- Thinkspace Projects
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