Faith-Ann Kiwa Young began creating digital composites and large-scale textile ‘flag' installations in 2015, to create safe, tactile, meditative sanctuaries, in contrast with today's incessantly frenetic world. Since, her multi-disciplinary practice melds photography, painting, mixed media, and textiles, to invite viewers to slow down, reflect, and connect.
Faith-Ann's art and installations have been presented worldwide - from UK to Miami. She frequently invites audiences to engage and participate in her work and its surroundings. She often teams up with like-minded organizations, artists, NGOs, and festivals, to use art to bring awareness to critical issues like mental health, inclusivity, and human rights, and to create large-scale, immersive experiences that unite communities.
Named after her grandmother Faith Akiko and her mother Ann Yukari, Faith-Ann’s maternal Japanese heritage has had a deep influence in her artistic aesthetic, work ethic, and spirit. She is an active champion of Little Tokyo and the AAPI community at large; she started the arts & culture festival Kibō Nobori in 2022 to showcase AAPI creativity, re-energize Little Tokyo, and spread hope (“Kibō” (希望) in Japanese”) in the community post-COVID in Los Angeles.
Faith-Ann graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University, with a Bachelors of Art and holds a certificate in photography from UCLA (2016). Her photographic work has been published in The Economist, Rolling Stone, and Dwell, and in three books. Her art has been exhibited in galleries like The Space 650 and Lux Eros Gallery in LA as well as at Paper-Spaceship Gallery in Chelsea, NY. Prior to launching into a full time art career, Faith-Ann worked for 8+ years on Justin Timberlake's creative team, and founded and ran the award-winning creative agency Mossy Creative, which she sold and integrated to Blended Strategy Group in 2021. She’s passionate about using art and new technology to make the world a more equitable, colorful and inclusive place.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My artistic practice uses color, vibrancy, and ethereality, to reimagine space and time, to create a safe space in our incessantly violent world, to create shelter, joy, and comfort for those who need it, and to amplify and support those who feel often unseen.
I paint with images, layering elements of photos I have collected over the years into surreal, digital compositions that recreate memory. Last year, I learned my father is suffering from dementia so this practice has taken on a new meaning.
I print these compositions onto delicate, diaphanous fabrics, sew, and hang these sculptures ceremoniously into the air, as a means of casting a wish, opening a portal. I am recreating a soft, womb-like state, where we were all floating futures, protected and finally free.
There is this concept in Japan called Mono No Aware - which is an intense awareness of one's place in the world, and our transience here. I think I am trying to showcase this - the intense brilliance and infinite heartbreak of what it is like to be alive at this time.
Feb 2024 LAGC Inaugural Flag Installation | Sofi Stadium | LA, CA
Feb 2024 Cycle of Life | Collide 01 Creative Wellness | El Sereno, CA
May 2023 KIBŌ NOBORI | Terasaki Budokan | Downtown Little Tokyo | LA, CA
May 2022 KIBŌ NOBORI | Terasaki Budokan | Downtown Little Tokyo | LA, CA
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS / INSTALLATIONS
Sept 2024 Duo Exhibition | All The (Healing) Parts | DMST Atelier | Los Angeles, CA
Feb 2024 Soft Recreation Lunar New Year Celebration | Hollywood, CA
May 2024 KIBŌ NOBORI | Terasaki Budokan | Downtown Little Tokyo | LA, CA
May 2024 Connected Installation | Honor Your Feelings Festival | Asian Mental Health Project | LA, CA
May 2023 Imagination Station | Honor Your Feelings Fest | Asian Mental Health Project | LA, CA
May 2023 To My Ancestors Installation | Pinaysphere AAPI Event | Ventura, CA
Dec 2021 Hero's Journey | Group Installation | Carillon Wellness Resort | Miami Art Basel | Miami, FL
Fall 2019 Women Flag Installation | Venice Art Studios | Venice, CA
Feb 2019 Women Flag Installation | Lean In x Savoir Collab | The Row DTLA
Oct 2018 Hindsight Book Release | Book collaboration with Justin Timberlake
July 2017 LOVE Installation | Midsummer’s Night | Kent, UK
Dec 2015 Windhorse Debut | Summit At Sea | Miami, FL
Dec 2015 Windhorse Exhibit | Freehand Hotel | Miami Art Basel | Miami, FL
Nov 2013 House of Drama Exhibit | The Space 650 | Venice, CA
June 2013 LOVE Group Exhibit | The Space 650 | Venice, CA
July 2012 Untamed Exhibit | Lux/Eros Gallery | Venice, CA
Oct 2011 Audio/Visual Juried Exhibition Presented by NY Photo Festival | Power House Arena | Dumbo, NY
Oct 2010 CMJ "30 Years" Art Exhibit | Paper-Spaceship Gallery | Chelsea, NY
Mar 2010 On The Fridge Group Exhibit | Particle Studios | San Francisco, CA
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS / INSTALLATIONS
2021 Webby Award | Public Service & Activism | #IStayHomeFor Campaign with Kevin Bacon
2012 Winner | Objects of Desire : Interiors Competition | PDN Magazine
2012 Best Music Shots of 2012 | Rolling Stone Magazine
2011 Featured Photographer | Tommy Hilfiger's "Kids of America" Campaign
2011 Honoree | LVHRD's PHTHRDIII photographer Event