How the Jamaican-born artist draws inspiration from African traditions, travel, mythology, and community to create an evolving visual universe.
Some artists paint what they see.
Others create entire worlds.
In my conversation with artist Jay Golding at Mana Contemporary in Jersey City, we discussed cultural identity, travel, mythology, creative discipline, and the development of a growing body of figurative work that blends personal history with imagined narratives.
As one of the artists participating in the Mana Contemporary ASCF Residency Program, Jay has spent recent months developing a series of paintings that combine African symbolism, mythology, spirituality, and storytelling. His work creates a visual language that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
From Jamaica to New Jersey
Born in Jamaica and raised in New Jersey after immigrating to the United States at the age of seven, Jay’s experience navigating different cultures has had a profound influence on his artistic practice.
Growing up with a strong connection to Jamaican culture while adapting to life in America gave him a unique perspective on identity and belonging.
Those experiences continue to shape how he approaches both art and human connection.
For Jay, interacting with people from different backgrounds feels natural because of his own experience as an immigrant. That openness to cultural exchange remains a central theme throughout his work.
Discovering Art
Unlike many artists who knew from childhood that they wanted creative careers, Jay’s path developed gradually.
After high school, uncertain about his future direction, he decided to pursue art studies and eventually attended Kean University, where supportive mentors helped him develop strong technical foundations and encouraged him to take his practice seriously.
Those early educational experiences provided the structure necessary for him to build a professional career while still maintaining a strong sense of experimentation and personal exploration.
Mythology, Masks, and Storytelling
One of the most striking aspects of Jay’s work is his use of symbolic figures, masks, and imagined characters.
Drawing inspiration from African cultures, mythology, spiritual traditions, and ceremonial practices, his paintings often feature figures wearing masks or existing within symbolic narratives.
Travel has played a major role in expanding this visual language.
Experiences in Mexico introduced him to new traditions, ceremonies, and cultural perspectives that continue to influence his work today.
The result is a body of work that feels both historical and futuristic — rooted in cultural memory while simultaneously inventing new myths.
Travel as Creative Fuel
Like many artists, Jay finds that movement often sparks creativity.
His travels throughout California, Mexico, Jamaica, and other locations have provided both visual inspiration and opportunities for reflection.
During the pandemic, what began as a short trip eventually expanded into months of travel, allowing him to immerse himself in different environments and communities.
Mexico in particular left a lasting impact.
The country’s architecture, music, Mayan cultural influences, and everyday experiences continue to appear in subtle ways throughout his paintings.
For Jay, travel isn’t simply about changing locations.
It’s about collecting experiences, conversations, observations, and emotions that later become part of the creative process.
Community at Mana Contemporary
One of the recurring themes throughout our conversation was the importance of artistic community.
The residency at Mana Contemporary provided Jay with an environment where artists from different backgrounds could exchange ideas, offer feedback, and support one another’s creative development.
He spoke about the value of having conversations with fellow resident artists, sharing work in progress, and learning from perspectives outside his own.
For many artists, studio practice can be a solitary experience.
The residency offered a reminder that creative growth often happens through dialogue as much as through individual work.
Creating a New Universe
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Jay’s current practice is the development of an entirely original mythology.
He is currently working on a series centered around a royal family from an imagined village called Magia Blue.
The characters possess their own symbols, histories, and identities, forming the foundation of a growing visual universe.
Rather than illustrating existing myths, Jay is creating new ones.
These stories draw from African influences, spiritual symbolism, personal experiences, and imagination, resulting in work that invites viewers into a world that feels both familiar and mysterious.
Looking Ahead
As the residency concludes, Jay is focused on expanding exhibition opportunities throughout New York and beyond.
Future plans include continued travel, further development of his mythology-based paintings, and a return to oil painting, a medium he considers his favorite.
He is also preparing for future journeys, including a planned trip to Ghana, where family connections and cultural exploration may inspire the next chapter of his work.
For Jay Golding, art is not simply about making images.
It is about building worlds, preserving cultural connections, and creating stories that continue to evolve long after the paint has dried.
Follow Jay Golding
Instagram: @jaygoldingart
Website: jaygolding.art
About Tarik Talk
Tarik Talk is an international arts and culture podcast hosted by Tarik Mendes — a Brazilian artist, cultural curator, and interviewer with a gift for drawing out the human stories behind the work. Each episode is a deep-dive conversation with artists, curators, museum professionals, designers, photographers, and creative leaders from around the world.
With more than 200 episodes filmed across 10+ countries, Tarik Talk goes beyond the studio visit — exploring artistic practice, cultural identity, creative process, and the ideas shaping contemporary art and culture today.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow @tariktalk for episode highlights and guest work, and @tarikmendes for Tarik’s latest adventures.