Mariah “Yaa” Bonner

Mariah (Yaa) Bonner is a multidisciplinary abstract artist known for her explorations of media, film color, and the emotions connected to time, youth, and race. Born in Northern Virginia and raised jointly in Maryland and Washington D.C, she developed an early passion for art, beginning with crafts and gradually transitioning to painting. Her parents introduced her to a wide range of films and books, shaping her deep interest in color as a vehicle for unconventional storytelling.

Bonner’s work, being deeply rooted in self-reflection, history and the processing of childhood experiences, led her to engage in community outreach. Partnering with organizations like SOAK, Connected Culture, Anacostia Art Center, MPDC WACIF, Project Create, Blue Robin Design and CHACC DC with a mission to provide creative outlets for children in Washington, D.C. Yaa aims to foster healing and expression through art and is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), further expanding her practice and research in abstract expression and storytelling.