September 10 - October 13
Manni Mora is a mixed media artist based in Austin, Texas. Though he has enjoyed painting since he was a child in Laredo, Texas, Manni’s career as an artist began in earnest in 2019, as he worked to donate a portion of his proceeds to local charities. He has since been featured in multiple publications, both online and in print, including Almost Real Things magazine and
Voyage Austin. Manni finds inspiration in the everyday objects around us, the colorful pop culture figures on our screens, and the myriad emotions that guide and compel us through life as we make our way through this chaotic yet breathtaking world. Whether it’s making an abstract or representational work, Manni loves exploring all kinds of media, including acrylic, ink, resin, charcoal, chalk pastels, and oil pastels. He draws much of his inspiration from surrealists such as Dali, Magritte, and Beksiński, as well as expressionists such as Basquiat and Pollock.
Much of Manni’s art focuses on mental health. He hopes his work encourages viewers to look inward and have a dialogue with themselves, with those around them, and even with him, if he happens to be around! Manni is always curious to hear how others interpret his artwork, as it is often a reflection of their own personal experiences. Manni believes that art is beauty that can change the world, and he hopes we can change the world together.
During his residency, Manni is focused on achieving several objectives. First and foremost, he aims to expand his network within the art community, fostering opportunities for collaboration and enriching his artistic journey. He also intends to share his work with a broader audience, recognizing that art is a powerful medium for community engagement.
A significant goal for Manni during this residency is to leverage his art for the benefit of individuals in need of mental health services. As a recognized mental health artist, he seeks to create a safe and inclusive space for discussions and creative expressions that support those facing mental health challenges.
Manni's strong connection to East Austin is evident in his work. Immersed in the local art scene, he is committed to preserving the unique cultural identity of Austin through his diverse artistic themes and styles.
Furthermore, this residency represents an opportunity for Manni to evolve and grow as an artist. While known for his work in mental health art, he is eager to push his creative boundaries and acquire new skills.
Manni will be available for interactions with art enthusiasts and the community on Sundays between 3-8pm. Keep an eye on his page for updates regarding his "Meet the Artist" event, where he will unveil his plans and engage with the community in artistic exploration and mental health support.
Check out his work HERE
You can follow him on INSTAGRAM to keep up with his latest projects.