Malia is a self-taught artist based in Pennsylvania. Her work is an expression of love for the antique—an attempt to preserve the feeling of moments that seem to belong to another time. Inspired by vintage films, classic music, and the enduring elegance of the past, she creates paintings that invite viewers into familiar yet imagined memories. Whether through expressive figures, cinematic compositions, or subtle references to music and film, each piece seeks to evoke emotion before narrative.

Her current body of work explores the intersection of visual art and sound, incorporating elements such as vintage sheet music and lyrical fragments within mixed media collage. Through her current series, she delves into the concept that we are shaped by the experiences, emotions, and music that uniquely “compose” us as individuals. Ultimately, she hopes her work offers viewers a moment of pause—a feeling that they have encountered something both personal and universal. Nostalgia has a unique ability to connect us, reminding us that beauty often exists not only in memory, but in the emotions those memories continue to inspire.

In her time managing gallery spaces, she has curated exhibitions, coordinated show logistics, and worked closely with artists and collectors alike, handling everything from art selection and installation to managing timelines and fostering community engagement through thoughtful programming. These responsibilities have not only deepened her appreciation for diverse artistic voices, but also sharpened the eye and sense of purpose within her own creative process.

Working at the intersection of creation and curation gives her a unique perspective—one that continuously informs and elevates her artistic growth. Being immersed in the rhythms of gallery life keeps her connected, inspired, and ever-evolving as she paints as much as she can and push the boundaries of her own work.