Malia Kinger (b. 2003, Nassau, Bahamas) is a Bahamian mixed-media artist who focuses mainly on painting, using a dotting technique that draws from both stippling and mandala art. She paints almost entirely in dots, creating detailed patterns that flow with rhythm and intention. Malia prefers to work on natural surfaces like wood and, most notably, the conch shell, which is a form deeply connected to Bahamian culture and identity. Many of the shells she uses are collected from “conch graveyards” which are large piles where fishermen discard shells after harvesting. Her process blends precision and patience, turning each shell into a vibrant, meditative piece.

Malia was raised by John Kinger and Clarissa Bolisay Dillet, who supported her creativity from a young age. She was always drawn to making art and loved experimenting with different materials, but eventually found her style through painting and detailed pattern work inspired by her own rhythm and life in The Bahamas.

Currently, Malia is pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with a focus on Art. Alongside her studies, she works as a gallery assistant at The D’Aguilar Art Foundation and continues to grow her practice as an emerging artist. She’s passionate about art education and is still learning and growing herself, with the goal of one day inspiring the next generation of creatives through both her teaching and her art. Her work has been shown in a couple galleries on the island and has been included in respected collections such as The D’Aguilar Art Foundation and, more recently, The Dawn Davies Collection.

Malia’s work draws heavily from the rich biodiversity of the Bahamian islands, shaped by the lush flora, vibrant marine life, and natural textures that surround her each day. Symbolism plays a central role in her practice. The conch shell, for example, is more than a canvas. It represents cultural identity, resilience, and the importance of the sea. It’s also featured in the Bahamian coat of arms, standing as a national emblem of pride and heritage. Flowers, both native and introduced, appear frequently in her work. While their meanings may vary, they often symbolize beauty, growth, memory, and renewal.

Malia often reflects on her own identity through her art. With a background that blends different cultures, she describes herself as being “like a conch salad,” a vibrant mix of influences, histories, and traditions. Through these natural elements and symbols, her art becomes a quiet form of storytelling, with each piece offering a reflection on place, belonging, and the ways we are all connected to the world around us.

Her practice is as much about introspection as it is about connection. With every dot, Malia invites viewers to slow down, look closer, and find resonance in the details.