Meet Mensah Bey | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mensah Bey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mensah, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
The most recent change in my work life balance has been moving to San Diego with my fiancé. Prior to this time, I was working on my Master’s of Fine Arts, living alone, and able to make many more singularly focused decisions. The considerations of building a life with someone has shifted things by learning to be more focused when I have tasks I want to complete. Between both of our career pursuits, we have had to learn to make time for each other, to support each other.

Knowing that I work best in segments of time, I try to schedule art projects, residencies, or exhibitions far ahead of time so that I can create a plan and be intentional bout the work that I create. This allows me to be more present in other spaces that I am involved or at home where other needs have to be met.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work explores the juxtaposition between physical and virtual reality via the use of social media. With influences from Afro-surreal and abstract expressionism, new worlds are navigated as chronological tales.

Raised in a sub-culture of the African-American experience, I often found solace in observance and imagination. Where my teachings in the Moorish Science Temple of America instilled pride in my people, the larger society often demonized our experiences. I choose asiatic subjects like visual affirmations promising an empowered experience in the future.

Symbolisms are overlaid and personified through figurative subjects. Spirits take form in an evolutionary subconscious enabling tethered minds to roam freely yet staying grounded in the world of manifest.

My work is always a reflection of my environment and mentality. I’m primarily a painter, though that took some time to claim. It was a study of my insecurities that led me to overcome a limit I had placed upon myself. In this sense, my works has become a manifestation of that. At each step I am questioning my next decision and taking action toward each challenge. I often ask myself, “Who determined that I can’t do something?” Often, that person is me, so I communicate with that person and make the wiser choice.

When people come across my work, I want them to know it came from me. I want my style to resonate in the minds of all who witness it. I want people to learn that there are no limits to which we can create and that each of our own perspectives are as beautiful as the next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend knows me, we’re going to get into some fitness including a run with Black Men Run SD, a hike in Mission Trails, and some pilates with Movement Matters. Breakfast/Brunch: Snooze AM Eatery. Too good not to.
Lunch: Rubio’s (The Original)/Brazilian Bowls on Garnet
Happy Hour: Border x Brewing and a tour of Barrio Logan/Chicano Park.
Dinner: Lazy Acres Hot Food bar is pretty clutch. Spice Tai Kitchen in La Jolla is a favorite.
Late night eats: Los Panchos in Hillcrest.
I’m also probably going to convince them to come on a 2nd Saturday so we can check out the Vegan Food Pop Up in North Park and Nomad Donuts for a sweet fix.

We’re definitely stopping by Bread & Salt to check out the galleries. Quint Gallery in La Jolla. MCASD.
For the tourist spot, Balboa Park is beautiful, so why not?
There will definitely be a day to drive up the 101 and check out the beaches and scenery.

I’m also going to take them to see my mural on Russ BLVD beside the WorldMark by Wyndham.

Most events will be centered around being outside and enjoying the beautiful weather we get MOST of the time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to shoutout my fiancé, Elisa Summiel. She has been my anchor since making my move to San Diego and keeps me motivated and focused.

Website: www.mbeyarts.com

Instagram: @mbeyarts

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7bu9mUg3Q0eUf4p8tmwDhw