Ya La’Ford—a name that resonates across continents, from the coastal towns of Senegal to the bustling streets of China and the historic landscapes of Egypt. A Bronx native and now a proud Tampa Bay resident, Ya has captivated audiences worldwide with her intricate, thought-provoking works. And now, her artistic journey has reached an exciting milestone: her largest solo museum exhibition to date at The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg.
A Monumental Museum Exhibition
La’Ford’s exhibition, Surveying the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection, emerged from a three-month immersive journey through the American West. The vast, untamed landscapes inspired a breathtaking collection that merges her signature labyrinth-like patterns with new emotions, colors, and textures. This exhibition incorporates large-scale immersive installations, sculpted metals, mixed media, video, sound, and light, pulling viewers into a deeply introspective experience.
As the only solo artist to exhibit at The James Museum, La’Ford masterfully intertwines contemporary abstraction with historical narratives, connecting her personal journey to the vastness of the western frontier. Her work will be on display through May 2025, offering a rare opportunity to witness her visionary approach to modern abstractionn
Bringing the Museum to You: Exclusive Works Available at Drew Marc Gallery
For those who visit The James Museum and find themselves captivated by La’Ford’s work, Drew Marc Gallery is thrilled to offer six available pieces from the same series for purchase. These works embody the same depth, structure, and dynamic interplay of materials as her museum exhibition, allowing collectors to take home a piece of this groundbreaking series.
Ya’s ability to push the boundaries of abstraction is particularly evident in her collection, Distance, where she explores themes of separation, resilience, and reconnection. This series, first exhibited at Gallery 221 on Hillsborough Community College’s campus, envelops viewers in a world of deep black tones and geometric precision, symbolizing both isolation and the light that emerges from darkness.
We are honored that Ya has entrusted Drew Marc Gallery to showcase select pieces from this collection. These works will be available for viewing and purchase at the gallery in the coming weeks—an exciting opportunity for collectors to own original pieces from a rising contemporary artist who is shaping the future of abstract art.
Experience Ya La’Ford’s Work Firsthand
Whether you experience her pieces at The James Museum or step into Drew Marc Gallery to see available works from the same series, Ya La’Ford’s art is an invitation to explore space, time, and human connection.
For inquiries about available works, commissions, or to schedule a private viewing, please contact us at Drew Marc Gallery. We look forward to sharing this extraordinary collection with you.
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Drew Marc Gallery
📍 2409 S. MacDill Ave. Suite 400, Tampa, FL 33629
📩 info@drewmarcgallery.com
🌐 https://drewmarcgallery.com/artist/ya-laford
AVAILABLE WORKS: