2024 MFA THESIS EXHIBITION
kyla zitti

JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 23, 2024

I find myself drawn to the intricate dance between the human figure, biology, and the vast tapestry of human experience. Nature, with its varied colors – from the deep blues of the ocean to the warm hues of sunsets – serves as a wellspring of inspiration. I like that the juxtaposition of colors that work in the real world, when in theory, they probably shouldn’t. There's a unique fascina>on in exploring cells through a microscope, discovering the hidden beauty in cellular structures. There is something fascinating about not being able to see them with the naked eye, yet there they are with intricate designs and beautiful colors. It’s like secret hidden glimpses of life itself.

In the evolution of my work, I've transitioned from a realm of objectivity to a contemplation of the intangible. Now, I find myself delving into the complexities of memories and their intricate weaving within the fabric of our lives. This shift mirrors the evolving questions I pose to the world and reflects a deeper engagement with the enigmatic aspects of existence. Recently, I've developed an affinity for the triangle. I am drawn to its asymmetry and odd number of sides embodying strength that defies its deceptive appearance. The variability in side lengths adds a layer of intrigue, challenging preconceived notions. It doesn’t look sturdy but has a quiet strength about it. It oddly reflects aspects of my personal journey, embodying resilience in uncharted territories.

What intrigues me is the element of surprise in my creations. Sometimes, I feel like a mad scientist at work. I set conditions, yet I embrace the unpredictability that comes with chance. Whether turning a painting upside down and cuKng it up or exploring the interplay of formal elements like line, space, color, and form, I seek to be caught off guard by the unfolding narrative within each piece. I almost want the work to have a chance to make itself at certain points. My artistic repertoire is a fusion of traditional mediums – a convergence where digital art, drawing, painting, and sculpture come together seamlessly. It's an exploration of the boundaries between these mediums, a quest to discover where they intersect. I think of my art in terms of a drawing practice, an opportunity for low-stakes exploration and a visual way to navigate complex thoughts. Sometimes it heavily relies on seeking and answering questions about the work in front of me and other times the questions are internal and personal. It's a journey without a set path, guided by instinct and a genuine curiosity.

My artistic endeavor is a perpetual quest to make sense of my world, an earnest pursuit of understanding or a gentle embrace to bring about a sense of peace. My art serves as both a mirror to my inner dialogue and a vessel for externalizing the complexities of existence. I see my practice as a drawing practice, a low-stakes visual thinking process that I thoroughly enjoy or sometimes don’t. As a K-12 art teacher, my dual practices of teaching art and making art, intertwine seamlessly, with each informing and enriching the other in a continuous exchange of inspiration between the classroom and the studio.

Kyla Zitti (b.1990) is a multi-media, interdisciplinary artist from Long Island, New York. She works in various mediums such as sculpture, painting, drawing, and digital art. She is currently working on her Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art and received a Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts Education from Molloy College in 2020. Notable exhibitions that she has been a part of are 2024 MFA Thesis Show (Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa), A New Deco (New York, 2020), Printmaking (New York, 2016). She currently teaches art at the secondary level at Lindenhurst UFSD.