/Boden Azora-Minda
Boden Azora-Minda
Leafy Sea Dragon
Inspired by: Howard John Besnia, Persis Kenro Izu, Blue #1010B Unknown Yoruba Artist, Plaque
acrylic paint and acrylic paint pens on canvas
20″ x 20″
2025
Working with one color was a new concept to me. It is something I never considered doing before. The inspiration for “Leafy Sea Dragon” came from three of the museum pieces. Firstly, drawn to the subtlety and mood of “Blue #1010B”, then by the symbolism in the Yoruba plaque and lastly by use of a bold color in “Persis”. The “Leafy Sea Dragon” incorporates the bright and strong color of orange as well as the symbolism of dots and the use of camouflage that the sea dragon uses to hide from predators.
Boden Azora-Minda
Shirley-Sloth
acylic on canvas
10″ x 10″
2024
Human beings tend to forget that they are animals. This painting comes from a series of portraits of animals from around the world. The images are intentionally whimsical to evoke a feeling of warmth and connection. Inviting the viewer to look into their eyes, seeing them as individual living creatures who possess feelings, personalities and quirks The work is acrylic paint on canvas for character and background. Acrylic paint pens were used for details. The use of bright colors provides vibrancy, and the use of small background marks help to make the character almost pop off the canvas.
Boden Azora-Minda
My Sacred Heart Trans-Formed
acrylic on canvas
36″ x 36″
2024
My Sacred Heart Trans-formed is a contemplation of my journey as a trans-man and as a person with an extensive heart disease history. The image was inspired by the sacred heart statue that was in my grandmother’s house when I was a child. The sacred heart represents being open-hearted to the world and giving loving-kindness to others. Loving-kindness practices usually begin with yourself and then radiate to other beings. Loving-kindness being one of the most important spiritual journeys in which someone can endeavor.
Boden Azora-Minda
Happy Meal
Inspired by: Matt Siber, McDonalds
acrylic on canvas
24″ x 24″
2024
Matt Siber’s “McDonald’s” made me contemplate the way that Americans consume food particularly fast food and how food is presented to consumers. “McDonalds” to me represents our current food culture of instant gratification and how big industry works on convincing us that we want something that is not healthy for us. “Happy Meal” has the undertone of “Night of the Living Dead” as it depicts Ronald McDonald as a zombie laying in wait for the boy who is eating his “Happy Meal”.