Artist Bio
Tessema Meredith is a Samoan multimedia artist currently residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts. Born in the town of St. George in Southern Utah, Meredith draws inspiration from her rich Polynesian ancestry and cultural values. These values include a deep connection to the land and ocean, the art of star navigation, and a strong sense of community.
In her artistic practice, Meredith works with a variety of media, including photography, digital art, drawing, wood carving, and printmaking. Through these forms of expression, she aims to convey her personal experiences and her deep-rooted ties to Samoan culture, all while presenting them through a contemporary lens. Her work reflects her heritage and engages in a conversation with modern artistic sensibilities, bridging traditional practices with contemporary art forms.
Artist Statement
My work combines my Samoan culture with personal life experiences to create visually captivating narratives that blend traditional and contemporary perspectives. I utilize textures, lines, human figures, cultural motifs, and patterns in my photographs, prints, and drawings, crafting visually engaging compositions that incorporate a contemporary Samoan perspective. My drawings encompass animals, plants, geometric designs, and fictional characters of terror. My family and the natural world inspire my photography and prints, giving them purpose. I aspire to continue representing Samoan culture and expressing my life views as a contemporary artist.
CV
Education
2027- Present B.F.A. Studio Arts, Photography, Institute of American Indian Arts
Exhibitions
2022 Art Rush Exhibition, Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, NM
Awards
2025 AIHEC Art Competition, 3rd Place – Mixed Media, Institute of American Indian Arts
Performances:
2023 Hadaya, Short Film, Santa Fe, NM
2025 Through My Own Eyes, Short Film, Santa Fe, NM
Invited Talks
2025 Indigenous Ways, Santa Fe, NM
Grants
2025-2024 NM Student Incentive Grant
Professional Experience:
2022-2021 Design Assistant, 4Kinship, Santa Fe, NM
Public Collections
2024 Who Wants the Smoke?, IAIA Library, Santa Fe, NM
Collaborative Projects:
2025 Arletta, Short Film, Cinematographer, Santa Fe, NM
2024 Hunter, Short Film, Photographer, Santa Fe, NM
Contact us
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