Today we’d like to introduce you to Arely Peña.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I moved to Houston in March 2011 but I was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. I’ve always had an issue with labeling myself as anything, though I recognize that knowing the background of someone is important and it is needed in order for current society to work. I find trouble when calling myself a Mexican, a woman artist, etc. Any one person could fit under a million different adjectives.
It was around the age of 18 that I started pursuing photography. As I began delving more into the world of photography, I realized that some aspects of the medium didn’t align with me. And somehow, I found myself working and exploring other mediums like printmaking, performance and video installation. Since then I’ve shown work at the Blaffer Museum, Lawndale Art Center, and Rudolph Blume / Art Scan Gallery. I now form part of the artist collective Mujeres Malas: las brujas, las histéricas, las auto suficientes. We are all of those who speak without the limitations of censorship.
Please tell us about your art.
I like working with my hands. Playing with different materials or creating and shaping objects. I find that they allow me to better explore my ideas if I use them as a platform (or perhaps an empty vessel). My work predominantly explores ideas related to identity, language and the social dynamics that go into communication.
There was this thing that happened to me that I like to use as an example when talking about my interests. I drive on SH 288 every day on my way home, I guess when you take the same route a lot you start noticing small quiet things, or at least that is my experience. There was maybe a few hundred feet, right by a curve before the construction started, where I would get 6 seconds of complete silence (though it wasn’t silence at all). I would purposely roll my window down just before getting to it and I’d patiently wait for all the air to get sucked in between the missing cement blocks that lined the highway.
This is an experience (of many) I will never be able to fully express through words. This is what interests me. The struggle we go through to find the words and the limitations of such. How exactly does this affect our interactions with the world? Does this influence the way we see and understand ourselves, concepts, nature itself?
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I believe artists (and art) to be crucial in the development of society. I think art has ways in which it can bridge gaps between opposing sides, or at the very least, provide a better understanding of different perspectives. I think in a world where many are constantly oppressed, silenced, made to be invisible, it is important to recognize that you have the power to speak and take up space. (I believe art to be capable of this) I don’t only get affected emotionally by current events, but financially as well. Schools constantly lose funds for the arts, NEA budget cuts/elimination, invisibility of women (or queer) Latinx artists. I try and take up space the best I can.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find me on the www on Instagram @arelypna or you can visit my website (www.arelypena.com) and send me a message. I post information about upcoming shows/events that I’m part of on social media. but I think the best way to support artists is to go to art openings and help strengthen the community and network of artists in town.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.arelypena.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/arelypna
Image Credit:
Arely Pena
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