CYRUS MEJÍA
CYRUS MEJÍA
Cyrus Mejía contemporary artist, is co-founder of Best Friends Animal Society. Mejía believes art is activism, grabbing attention and shining light into darkness! His art reflects the ideals of kindness and compassion while shining a light on speciesism, ignorance and cruelty.
When asked how he hoped his art would be remembered, one of the famous abstract expressionist painters said: "I hope my art will have as much impact on society as that of an old shoe" Cyrus Mejía does not follow this philosophy! He believes art does have an important role to play in our world.
'ART CAN FOCUS THE ATTENTION AND DIRECT THE EMOTIONS IN WAYS NO OTHER MEDIUM CAN ACHIEVE.'
This idea is as old as human history. Art is sometimes the only thing left from pre-historic societies. The cave paintings, the carvings and pottery, tell us all we know about what went on thousands of years ago. And the artist/shaman was an important figure in ancient society. He/she told the story, created the myth, described the unknown, and pointed the way! This was not 'art for art's sake' but
'ART FOR LIFE'S SAKE!'
This is the art that Cyrus Mejía strives to create.
ARTIST BIO
Cyrus Mejia was born in 1947 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He spent his youth in the South, growing up in a richly cross-cultural household. His mother was from Mississippi; his father was a native of Colombia, South America. Mejia studied painting, drawing and ceramics at Hinds Community College in Mississippi before traveling abroad, spending several years in Europe. A chance encounter with dogs caged in a London research laboratory turned his sights in a new direction. No longer could Mejia practice his art without incorporating this indelible experience. He says, “I was so shocked and moved by what I saw that I had no choice but to try and help animals in any way that I could.” His way would incorporate art and, subsequently, much more. In 1984, Mejia and his wife Anne were among a dedicated group of animal-loving friends who founded Best Friends Animal Society. Cyrus Mejia lives and works in Kanab, Utah, home of Best Friends, with his wife and their family of dogs and cats. Cyrus Mejia’s work continues to reflect his passion for the animals and the Earth, and his message is a cri de coeur for compassion and kindness. His artwork can be found in both private and public collections.
