Merik Goma, born in Manistee, MI, in 1987, is a contemporary photographer currently based in New Haven, CT. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fredonia University, Merik's artistic journey is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences and influences. His solo exhibitions, including "My Heart is Light in the Void" at the Amistad Cultural Center and "Your Absence is My Monument" at Real Art Ways, both in Hartford, CT, showcase his ability to construct intricate sets within his studio, serving as both subjects and backdrops for narrative portrait photography.
Described as painterly in execution, Merik's work captures attention through meticulous attention to color and lighting. His contributions extend to prestigious public collections, including the Detroit Institute of Art, Yale University Art Gallery, 21C Museum in Louisville, KY, and the Burger Collection in Hong Kong.
In addition to his exhibitions and accolades, Merik has been an active participant in the arts community, engaging in talks and lectures. His work has been featured in publications such as the New England Triennial Catalog and Art New England.
Real Art Ways writes of Goma: "Merik Goma is a New Haven-based photographer and recent graduate of the NXTHVN Studio Fellowship Program, an arts incubator founded by renowned artist Titus Kaphar. Goma builds intricate sets within his studio that he uses both as subjects of tableaux and as backdrops for narrative portrait photography. His technique is painterly in execution, with close attention paid to color and lighting. His work has been shown by Tilton Gallery, and is in the collection of Yale University. In 2021, Goma was selected as the Joyce C. Willis Artist in Residence by the Amistad Center for Arts & Culture at the Wadsworth Atheneum. As part of the residency, Goma will present a solo exhibition in 2023."
To learn more about Goma's work, you can access his website here.
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