Miguel Ángel Payano Jr.: Limbguistics

Strolling in Soho? Pop into Unit London for the viewing of a new body of work by artist Miguel Ángel Payano Jr. Limbguistics includes 17 works, 15 of which will be shown for the first time. Drawing from his Caribbean heritage, training in New England and time spent in China, Payano’s work reflects how his identity has shifted and expanded along the way.

Payano’s subjects are caught between multiple realms, in immersive compositions where dreamlike worlds meet eachother, exploding in vibrant colour. He is known for works blending the human body with nature, with figures intertwining with landscapes where ape-like creatures are captured alongside natural motifs including butterflies and bees, and mouths growing into ripe peaches on branches. These works are made of a range of different materials, including real snakeskin, rabbit fur, and human hair, for a harmonious blend of textures and compositions.

Limbguistics represents a play on the words ‘linguistics’ and ‘limbs,’ with Payano explaining that he wanted to use language as a further polishing of the narrative of his practice – a practice that is in many ways informed by culturally contrasting art forms. This new collection represents a continuation of Payano’s signature style and technique while integrating a greater emphasis on Chinese folklore and mythology. Payano explores the myth of the Peaches of Immortality, in which a smaller variety of peaches blossom every 3,000 years and provide higher wisdom and granting eternal life to whosoever consumes one. This new exhibition will incorporate monkeys into Payano’s work, as monkeys have played significant roles in Chinese culture for over 2,000 years. Finally and possibly most significantly, Payano has begun casting his own hand as part of the evolution of his practice and the development of Parkinson’s Disease, which was revealed in a 2020 diagnosis.

Miguel Angel Payano. Riptide 2023. Acrylic oil and vinyl on plywood. 125 cm x 130 cm x 25 cm

Miguel Angel Payano. He Was The City 2023. Mixed media on plywood. 61 cm x 61 cm x 25 cm

Miguel Angel Payano. Mount Mulanje Horn 2022. Mixed media on canvas. 150 cm x 150 cm x 11 cm

Miguel Angel Payano. Queen Play AKA Poly Picnic 2022. Mixed media on canvas. 150 cm x 150 cm x 16 cm

Miguel Ángel Payano Jr's Limbguistics is on display at Unit London’s Hanover Square gallery until December 19th.