Michaela Yearwood-Dan (b. 1994, London, UK) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans paintings, works on paper, ceramics, and site-specific mural and sound installations. Through her practice, she seeks to create spaces that celebrate queer community, abundance, and joy. Yearwood-Dan’s distinctive visual language is shaped by a rich tapestry of influences, including Blackness, queerness, femininity, and healing rituals. Her work fluidly transitions across mediums, incorporating botanical motifs and introspective, diaristic reflections within expressive abstract forms and bold, dripping paint. Whether on the grand scale of her canvases or the more intimate scale of her ceramics and works on paper, her art often evokes a sense of warm, inviting domesticity. By resisting fixed definitions of identity, Yearwood-Dan explores the creation of spaces—physical, pastoral, and metaphorical—that embrace boundless ways of being.

Vibrant and lush, Yearwood-Dan’s work is both deeply personal and politically resonant. She employs color and materials for their symbolic significance, weaving in hues like the oranges, pinks, purples, and blues of lesbian and bisexual pride flags, as well as incorporating ceramic carnations and pansy petals, which carry queer historical connotations. Language and botanical imagery are recurring elements in her art: her abstract environments are alive with painted flora, while live houseplants emerge from wall-mounted ceramics. Within her paintings, she embeds fragments of text—drawn from song lyrics, poetry, or her own diary entries. These textual meditations, varying in scale and legibility, are at once insightful, humorous, confident, and probing. They invite viewers into a vivid, paradoxical world of play, contemplation, and connection, set against a backdrop of swirling forms and radiant color.

Yearwood-Dan’s work has been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, OH; the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art in AZ; the Green Family Art Foundation in Dallas, TX; Palazzo Monti in Brescia, Italy; and the Museum of Contemporary African Art in Marrakesh, Morocco, among others. Her pieces are also held in the permanent collections of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.; the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami in FL; the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, CA; the Jorge M. Perez Collection in Miami, FL; and the Columbus Museum of Art and the Pizzuti Collection in Columbus, OH.

In 2022, Yearwood-Dan created her first public mural installation for Queercircle in London, UK. She has also participated in numerous fellowships and residencies, including the Palazzo Monti Residency in Brescia, Italy, and Bloomberg New Contemporaries in partnership with Sarabande: The Lee Alexander McQueen Foundation in London, UK. Through her expansive and inclusive practice, Yearwood-Dan continues to redefine the possibilities of art as a space for connection, reflection, and celebration.

Biography

Born

London, UK, 1994

Education

BA Fine Art Painting, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK, 2016

Resides

Lives and works in London, UK

Solo Exhibitions

2023

Marianne Boesky Gallery, ‘Michaela Yearwood-Dan. Some Future Time Will Think of Us’, New York NY

2022

Queercircle, ‘Michaela Yearwood-Dan. Let Me Hold You’, London, UK
Tiwani Contemporary, ‘Michaela Yearwood-Dan. The Sweetest Taboo’, London, UK

Group Exhibitions

2024

Walker Art Gallery, ‘Conversations’, Liverpool, UK

York Art Gallery, National Treasures Project, ‘Monet in York. ‘The Water-Lily Pond”, York, UK

Dallas Museum of Art, ‘When You See Me. Visibility in Contemporary Art/History’, Dallas TX

Dulwich Picture Gallery, ‘Soulscapes’, London, UK

2023

Marquez Art Projects, ‘Works from the Marquez Family Collection’, Miami FL
Pond Society, ‘Public Private Part II’, Shanghai, China
Southampton Arts Center, ‘Change Agents. Women Collectors Shaping the Art World’, Southampton NY
Marianne Boesky Gallery, ‘Purple Prose. Queer Illiteralism & A Flowering Cacophony’, New York NY
CICA Center of International Contemporary Art, Vancouver, ‘New British Abstraction’, Vancouver, Canada
Gagosian Gallery, ‘Rites of Passage’, London, UK
Green Family Art Foundation, ‘Considering Female Abstractions’, Dallas TX
Contemporary Arts Center, ‘Ecologies of Elsewhere’, Cincinnati OH

Residencies and Awards

2022

Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Visiting Artist, Aspen CO

2021

Palazzo Monti Residency, Brescia, Italy

Bibliography

Publications

2024

Dulwich Picture Gallery (ed.), ‘Soulscapes’, London: Dulwich Picture Gallery, 2024, pp. 106-107, ill. (exh. cat.)
Lynne, Jessica, Parker, Rianna, Jade, ‘Image and Belief. An Unfinished History of Black Artists’, London: Frances Lincoln, 2024, ill.
Chiu, Alfonse, ‘Reinventing Abstraction’, on: www.artbasel.com, 15 February 2024, ill.

2023

Blanc Franard, Louis, Carey-Williams, Matt, Yuan, Viahsta, ‘New British Abstraction’, Vancouver: Center of International Contemporary Art, 2023, ill. (exh. cat.)
Bailey, Stephanie, ‘How Artists are Redefining Identity Through Painting in the 21st Century’, on: artbasel.com, 6 July 2023, ill.

Press

2024

Chen, Min, ‘Fog Design + Art Fair Celebrates 10 Years with Swift Sales and Artist-First Programming’, on: news.artnet.com, 19 January 2024, ill.
Castelo III, Sean, ’12 Global Artisans Do a Creative Makeover of this Iconic Luxury Bag’, on: mega-onemega.com, 22 January 2024, ill.
de Klerk, Amy, ‘The latest Lady Dior Art Project is here’, on: harpersbazaar.com,10 January 2024, ill.
Chiu, Alfonse, ‘Reinventing Abstraction’, on: www.artbasel.com, 15 February 2024, ill.

2023

Steer, Emily, ‘Meet 8 Artists Who Broke Big in 2023—From Sculptor Mire Lee to Abstract Painter Rachel Jones’, on: news.artnet.com, 22 December 2023, ill.
Alleyne, Allyssia, ’10 Black British Artists Working in Abstraction’, on: artsy.net, 12 October 2023, ill.
Bailey, Stephanie, ‘How Artists are Redefining Identity Through Painting in the 21st Century’, on: artbasel.com, 6 July 2023, ill.
Kinsella, Eileen, ‘Rising Artist Michaela Yearwood-Dan’s Lavish Flora-Filled Visions Make Beauty Political’, on: news.artnet.com, 27 April 2023, ill.
___’Michaela Yearwood-Dan: Some Future Time Will Think of Us’, on: brooklynrail.org, 14 April 2023, ill.
Hendy, Eloise, ‘Artist Michaela Yearwood-Dan on finding joy through art and reclaiming beauty’, on: theglossarymagazine.com, 9 March 2023, ill.
Villa, Angelica, ‘Closely Watched Female Painters Continue to Rise in Christie’s London Sales’, on: artnews.com, 1 March 2023, ill.
Jacobson, Andrew S., Carollo, Elisa, ‘State of the Market: Frieze Art Fair Los Angeles’, on: washingtoninformer.com, 21 February 2023, ill.
___’Frieze Los Angeles 2023 – What the Dealers Had to Say’, on: artlyst.com, 20 February 2023, ill.
Schulz, Madeleine, ‘Michaela Yearwood-Dan. We’re not so sure where we’re going, and baby that’s alright’, in: Flaunt, Issue 185, 17 February 2023, ill.
___’A Ceramic Renaissance: Clay and Sculptural Works at Frieze Los Angeles 2023′, on: frieze.com, 2 February 2023, ill.
Kakar, Arun, ‘6 Collectors on the Artists, Shows, and Trends to Watch in 2023’, on: artsy.net, 9 January 2023, ill.
Avram, Danielle, ‘Dallas’ Green Family Art Foundation makes a splash with ‘Black Abstractionists”, on: dallasnews.com, 6 January 2023, ill.
___’13 Artists Poised to Break Out Big in 2023, According to Naomi Beckwith, Marilyn Minter, and Other Art-World Insiders’, on: news.artnet.com, 2 January 2023, ill.

Podcasts

2024

Cerebral Women, ‘A Conversation with Michaela Yearwood-Dan’, episode 182, January 2024

2022

Diament, Robert, Tovey, Russell, ‘Michaela Yearwood-Dan’, Talk Art, 15 April 2022, podcast, on: shows.acast.com

2020

Katy Hessel, The Great Women Artists Podcast, episode 28, 10 June 2020

Greco-Buddhist Art: The Fusion of Hellenistic and Buddhist Traditions

Greco-Buddhist art, also known as Gandhara art, represents one of art history’s most intriguing and innovative cultural syntheses. Flourishing between the 1st century BCE and the 5th century CE in the Gandhara region (modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan), this artistic tradition emerged at the crossroads of the ancient world, where Greek, Persian, Indian, and Central Asian influences converged. Greco-Buddhist art is renowned for its unique portrayal of the Buddha in human form, blending Hellenistic artistic techniques with Buddhist spiritual themes.

Historical Context

The origins of Greco-Buddhist art can be traced back to Alexander the Great’s conquests in the 4th century BCE, which brought Greek culture and artistic traditions to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. After Alexander’s death, the region became part of the Seleucid Empire and later the Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek kingdoms. These Hellenistic states maintained Greek cultural practices, including art and architecture, while interacting with local traditions.

The rise of the Kushan Empire in the 1st century CE further facilitated the fusion of Greek and Indian cultures. The Kushans, who ruled over a vast territory stretching from Central Asia to northern India, were great patrons of Buddhism and art. Under their rule, Gandhara became a thriving center of Buddhist culture and artistic innovation.

Characteristics of Greco-Buddhist Art

Greco-Buddhist art is distinguished by its unique blend of Hellenistic and Indian elements. Key characteristics include:

1. Anthropomorphic Representation of the Buddha: One of the most significant contributions of Greco-Buddhist art is the first known human depictions of the Buddha. Before this, Buddhist art was aniconic, using symbols like the Bodhi tree, footprints, or the Dharma wheel to represent the Buddha. Under Greek influence, artists began to portray the Buddha as a human figure, often resembling a Greek god with wavy hair, a serene expression, and draped robes.
2. Realism and Naturalism: Hellenistic artistic techniques emphasized realism, evident in the detailed facial features, muscular definition, and flowing drapery of Gandhara sculptures. The Buddha and Bodhisattvas are depicted with grace and idealized beauty reminiscent of Greek statues.
3. Architectural Influence: Gandhara art also incorporated Greek architectural elements, such as Corinthian columns, into the design of stupas and monasteries. The combination of Greek and Indian styles created a unique aesthetic that reflected the cultural syncretism of the region.
4. Narrative Reliefs: Gandhara artists excelled in creating narrative reliefs depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life and Jataka tales (stories of his previous lives). These reliefs often featured intricate details and a sense of movement, influenced by Roman and Greek storytelling traditions.
5. Iconography: The iconography of Greco-Buddhist art includes not only the Buddha but also Bodhisattvas, deities, and mythological figures. The Greek god Heracles, for example, was reinterpreted as Vajrapani, a protector of the Buddha.

Key Sites and Artifacts

1. Taxila: An ancient city in modern-day Pakistan, Taxila was a major center of Gandhara art. Excavations have revealed numerous stupas, monasteries, and sculptures that showcase the fusion of Greek and Indian styles.
2. Hadda: Located near Jalalabad in Afghanistan, Hadda is known for its stunning stucco sculptures, which display a high degree of Hellenistic influence.
3. Peshawar Museum: This museum in Pakistan houses one of the finest collections of Gandhara art, including sculptures, reliefs, and artifacts that highlight the region’s artistic achievements.
4. Buddhist Stupas: The Great Stupa at Dharmarajika (Taxila) and the Butkara Stupa (Swat Valley) are notable examples of Gandhara architecture featuring Greek-inspired decorative elements.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Greco-Buddhist art played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism across Asia. The realistic and relatable depictions of the Buddha made Buddhism’s teachings more accessible to diverse audiences. As Buddhism traveled along the Silk Road, Gandhara art influenced the development of Buddhist art in Central Asia, China, and eventually Japan, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

The synthesis of Greek and Indian traditions in Gandhara art is a testament to the broader cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. It serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and their ability to create something entirely new through dialogue and collaboration, enlightening us about the rich history of cultural exchange.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of Greco-Buddhist art extends far beyond the Gandhara region. Its influence can be seen in the Buddhist art of Central Asia, where the fusion of Greek and Indian styles continued to evolve. The iconic Buddha statues of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, though tragically destroyed in 2001, were a testament to the enduring impact of Gandhara art, underscoring its lasting influence.

In East Asia, the Hellenistic elements introduced by Gandhara art were adapted and transformed, contributing to the development of distinct regional styles. For example, the serene and elongated Buddha figures of Chinese and Japanese art owe a debt to the naturalism and grace of Gandhara sculptures.

onclusion: Greco-Buddhist art stands as a remarkable example of cultural synthesis, where the artistic traditions of Greece and India merged to create something entirely new and enduring. Through its realistic depictions of the Buddha, innovative architectural designs, and narrative reliefs, Gandhara art enriched the visual language of Buddhism and facilitated its spread across Asia. Today, it remains a powerful reminder of the creative potential that arises when cultures meet and interact.

Further reading

1. Behrendt, K. A. (2004). The Art of Gandhara in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art.
   (A detailed exploration of Gandhara art and its Hellenistic influences.)
2. Nehru, L. (1989). Origins of the Gandharan Style: A Study of Contributory Influences. Delhi: Oxford University Press.
   (Examines the cultural and historical factors that shaped Gandhara art.)
3. Taddei, M. (1993). The Art of Gandhara: A Guide to the Collections of the National Museum of Oriental Art. Rome: Istituto Italiano per l’Africa e l’Oriente.
   (A comprehensive guide to Gandhara art and its key artifacts.)
4. Boardman, J. (1994). The Diffusion of Classical Art in Antiquity. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
   (Discusses the spread of Greek artistic traditions, including their influence on Gandhara art.)
5. Errington, E., & Cribb, J. (1992). The Crossroads of Asia: Transformation in Image and Symbol. Cambridge: Ancient India and Iran Trust.
   (Explores the cultural exchanges that shaped Gandhara art and its legacy.)

Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2025

Mar 20, 2025  Mar 23, 2025

PALM BEACH MODERN + CONTEMPORARY

Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary (PBM+C), presented by Art Miami, returns for its eighth edition opening with an exclusive invitation-only VIP Preview on Thursday, March 20 and running through Sunday, March 23, 2025 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

South Florida’s premier and most prestigious winter art fair, PBM+C takes place during the height of season and is the only “can’t miss” event for all serious collectors, curators, museum directors and interior designers, providing an intimate look at the most important works available for acquisition at the forefront of the international contemporary, modern, classical modern, post-war and pop eras.

PBM+C is the most important fair each winter as it brings a world-class, internationally respected group of galleries and their artists to the discerning and ever growing high net worth audience that has migrated South.

The Fair will coincide with the world-renowned Palm Beach International Boat Show, located along the waterfront and Flagler Drive in Downtown West Palm Beach, FL. The show will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to super yachts nearly 200 feet in length.

GENERAL ADMISSION

Friday, March 21 11am – 7pm

Saturday, March 22 11am – 7pm

Sunday, March 23 11am – 6pm

Address: Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, USA

Invitations for Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2025

Are you eager to secure an invitation for Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2025? Thanks to our esteemed partnerships with art fairs and salons worldwide, ArtMajeur by YourArt is regularly bestowed with a select number of unique invitations for discerning collectors and ardent art enthusiasts. This is your chance to gain exclusive access to premier art fairs and shows globally, courtesy of ArtMajeur by YourArt’s limited invitations. Request your complimentary invitation for Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2025 on ArtMajeur by YourArt today! Please note, these invitations are a rare commodity, swiftly distributed by art fairs. However, don’t hesitate to reach out, and we’ll do our utmost to secure an invitation or provide you with the necessary access details.

How can I request free invitations to attend Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2025?

If you’re an art collector or enthusiast keen on exploring one of the many art fairs and shows partnered with ArtMajeur by YourArt Galerie worldwide, please submit your request for a free invitation. Ensure that you specify the event you’re interested in attending. You can reach out through our website’s contact form or email.

What happens after I submit my invitation request?

Once you’ve submitted your request, we’ll promptly check our inventory for available Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2025 invitations. If we have one for your chosen event, we’ll send it directly to you. If not, we’ll immediately contact the event organizers to secure additional invitations.

Is receiving an invitation guaranteed after I apply?

While we strive to fulfill all requests, the reality is that invitations are limited. Therefore, we can’t guarantee an invitation to every applicant. Requests are honored on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis, and we do our best to serve our community of art lovers and collectors.

What if the invitations are all claimed?

If we’re unable to grant you an invitation due to high demand, we’ll guide you through the event, including information on purchasing tickets for Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2025. We’ll also provide details on any preferential access or discounts available to our community.

How can I improve my chances of receiving an invitation?

We recommend promptly submitting your request to increase your chances, as invitations are distributed based on availability. Additionally, staying updated on invitation availability and other exclusive offers is as simple as following ArtMajeur by YourArt Galerie on social media and subscribing to our newsletter.

Must-visit destinations in Miami, FL.

Unveiling the Deering Estate: The History and Natural Beauty of this Florida Historical Site.

Nestled along the southwestern edge of Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, the Deering Estate is Miami’s premier landmark that showcases the best of South Florida’s historic architecture and natural environment. 

As a 21st Century museum destination for tourists and local residents, a variety of signature events, programs, tours and classes are offered throughout the year, as well as opportunities for field trips. Including a variety of fun and festive events such as our historic ghost tours in the fall and various outdoor activities in the summer.

Exploring Florida’s Historic Landmarks at Deering Estate

The oldest existing buildings on the estate are those built by the Richmond family and Charles Deering. In 1896, Samuel H. Richmond built a pioneer home for his family on the estate as part of the settlement of the Town of Cutler. In 1900, an addition to the home was built and then opened to the paid public as The Richmond Hotel – the first hotel between Coconut Grove and Key West. The graceful Mediterranean revival–style Stone House, built by Charles Deering to showcase his valuable art collection, was constructed in 1922.

From 1913-1918, Charles Deering purchased the land and renovated the Richmond Inn, the area’s only hotel. Adding a pump station, carriage and car garage, generator house, and boat turning basin as support structures. Deering’s winter residence became a self-sustaining homestead for he and his wife, Marion. Over the next few years, Deering invited renowned botanists, David Fairchild and John Kunkel Small, to implement a restoration of the area’s natural environment. In 1922, he also contracted the notable Coral Gables’ architect Phineas Paist to build the Stone House, a 13,000 square foot Mediterranean Revival home capable of housing the massive art and furnishings collection he was relocating from his homes in Spain, New York and Chicago.

In 1916, Deering purchased and renovated the Richmond Inn, the area’s only lodging facility, and established it as a winter home for himself and his wife Marion, adding additional support structures to establish a self-sustaining homestead.  Over the few next years, Deering brought in renowned botanists David Fairchild and John Kunkle Small to implement a restoration of the area’s natural environment.  Deering contracted the notable Coral Gables architect Phineas Paist to build a fireproof structure capable of housing the massive art collection he was removing from his homes in Spain, New York and Chicago.  By 1922, the Stone House was completed and was being filled with the tapestries, paintings, books and antique furnishings he had spent decades collecting while the tropical hardwood hammock and endangered pine rocklands returned to fill in the land around his homes.

The Preservation of a Florida Historical Site

Charles Deering died in 1927, but the estate remained with his heirs until 1986 when it was purchased by the State of Florida and added to the National Registry of Historic Places.  Most of Deering’s original art collection was donated to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Libraries at Northwestern University by his daughters. Today, the Deering Estate is managed by Miami-Dade County’s Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and supported by the Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. Some original items can be seen in the homes today, as well as the tropical hardwood hammock and endangered pine rocklands are preserved to transport our guests to the past. You are able to rent the space for weddings and other private events, as well as book tours of the property including our seasonal ghost tours of the historic grounds.

16701 SW 72nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33157
305 235 1668