That Zaire

Through the timeless act of printmaking and the intricate process of collaging, I embark on a journey of reappropriation, enhancement, and empowerment; breathing new life into images of the past to resonate powerfully in the present. My artistic practice revolves around the fusion of disparate elements, forging connections between the historical and the contemporary, the personal and the collective.

Rooted deeply to my upbringing in the Southern United States; blackness, spirituality, and otherness encapsulates my relationship to the outside world, nature, and life. Through the work, I evoke the sense of otherworldly, where the familiar becomes enigmatic and the mundane becomes mystical. By using biblical iconography, antique black figures,and fauna I illustrate the surreal reality of Blackness in the south. My work serves as both a reflection and a reinterpretation of the surreal narratives that shape our understanding of Blackness within American society. 

My colleges become portals to explore the complexities of identity and memory. Each meticulously cut, stitch, and layer are a deliberate act of storytelling, weaving together threads of history, culture, and emotion. It is also a celebration of resilience, and a testament to the enduring power of printmaking to provoke thought, stir emotion, and ignite change.

By embracing the transformative potential of collage and printmaking, I embrace the notion that every piece carries with it the potential to rewrite history, to reclaim agency, and to reimagine the world anew. 

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Zaire Miles-Moultrie is a Black artist based in Greensboro, North Carolina, whose creative journey is a testament to the profound impact of identity and culture on artistic expression. With a diverse array of mediums at his disposal, including drawing, collaging, and printmaking, he intricately weaves together elements of history, spirituality, and personal experience to explore the complex and surreal nature of blackness and life. Zaire’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and galleries throughout the region and country, captivating audiences with its emotive power and thought-provoking themes. Recently he graduated with his BFA in studio art concentrating in printmaking and drawing from UNCG. Currently he is in residence at Artspace Raleigh as a 2025 emerging artist residence.