"Veil of Silence" 58" x 37", textiles and gold paint, 2025.
ABOUT
Tanya Kaiser (she/her) is an artist, curator, educator, and arts administrator with extensive experience in community engagement and artist-centered programming. She holds an MFA in Studio Art from Stony Brook University, specializing in ceramic sculpture, and has worked in museum and gallery settings for over a decade with a focus on curatorial practice, exhibition planning, and public programming.
Her artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with notable showings in Brooklyn, NY; Chicago, IL; Alexandria, Egypt; and Cleveland, OH. Rooted in themes of identity, femininity, and the intersection of politics and religion, her practice is recognized for its thought-provoking and socially engaged approach.
Kaiser is the founder of Kaiser Studios, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between artists and STEM professionals through exhibitions, artist talks, and residency programs. As a curator, she has organized numerous exhibitions and public initiatives that champion diverse artistic voices and expand opportunities for underrepresented artists.
Her professional experience includes leadership at Kaiser Gallery, where she served as Director & Curator, as well as roles in arts administration, community outreach, and event programming. She has been recognized for her contributions to the arts with awards including the Impact Award from Ingenuity Cleveland and the Community Impact Award from Tremont West Development Corporation. A skilled public speaker and educator, she is committed to fostering meaningful dialogue around contemporary art and its role in society.
Through her multifaceted work, Kaiser continues to shape the arts landscape by cultivating innovative collaborations, advocating for artists, and creating platforms for impactful engagement.
Her artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with notable showings in Brooklyn, NY; Chicago, IL; Alexandria, Egypt; and Cleveland, OH. Rooted in themes of identity, femininity, and the intersection of politics and religion, her practice is recognized for its thought-provoking and socially engaged approach.
Kaiser is the founder of Kaiser Studios, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between artists and STEM professionals through exhibitions, artist talks, and residency programs. As a curator, she has organized numerous exhibitions and public initiatives that champion diverse artistic voices and expand opportunities for underrepresented artists.
Her professional experience includes leadership at Kaiser Gallery, where she served as Director & Curator, as well as roles in arts administration, community outreach, and event programming. She has been recognized for her contributions to the arts with awards including the Impact Award from Ingenuity Cleveland and the Community Impact Award from Tremont West Development Corporation. A skilled public speaker and educator, she is committed to fostering meaningful dialogue around contemporary art and its role in society.
Through her multifaceted work, Kaiser continues to shape the arts landscape by cultivating innovative collaborations, advocating for artists, and creating platforms for impactful engagement.
ARTIST STATEMENT
As a visual artist, mother, and woman, I explore the theme of womanhood through my work, focusing on femininity, identity, and the intersection of politics and religion. My art has been recognized for its boldly feminist perspective, openly questioning societal expectations while drawing from personal experiences, particularly my upbringing in the Catholic Church with a Latina mother.
The vessel is a central motif in my practice, especially the image of the Virgin Mary, the ultimate vessel. My religious upbringing made her a dominant presence in my home, her likeness displayed on small laminated cards, tall glass prayer candles, and altars. She was the Mother we prayed to, seeking her guidance and forgiveness. Through my work, I examine her humanity, her pain, and her role as a mother, moving beyond reverence to consider her suffering and sacrifice.
I frequently incorporate botanical and female forms as catalysts, recognizing their shared symbolism of fertility, beauty, and life. Yet my pieces are not pristine; curled edges, deliberate punctures, and patina finishes convey history, resilience, and imperfection. I am particularly interested in the cultural silencing of women’s suffering and the stigma surrounding the female form, especially in relation to reproductive health. My work critiques the entangled relationship between politics and religion, examining how these forces shape women’s societal roles and bodily autonomy. By confronting these issues directly, I hope my work serves as a vehicle for dialogue, challenging preconceived notions of beauty, motherhood, and power.
The vessel is a central motif in my practice, especially the image of the Virgin Mary, the ultimate vessel. My religious upbringing made her a dominant presence in my home, her likeness displayed on small laminated cards, tall glass prayer candles, and altars. She was the Mother we prayed to, seeking her guidance and forgiveness. Through my work, I examine her humanity, her pain, and her role as a mother, moving beyond reverence to consider her suffering and sacrifice.
I frequently incorporate botanical and female forms as catalysts, recognizing their shared symbolism of fertility, beauty, and life. Yet my pieces are not pristine; curled edges, deliberate punctures, and patina finishes convey history, resilience, and imperfection. I am particularly interested in the cultural silencing of women’s suffering and the stigma surrounding the female form, especially in relation to reproductive health. My work critiques the entangled relationship between politics and religion, examining how these forces shape women’s societal roles and bodily autonomy. By confronting these issues directly, I hope my work serves as a vehicle for dialogue, challenging preconceived notions of beauty, motherhood, and power.