Biography
Monica Curiel b. 1993
Monica Curiel is a first-generation Mexican American born in Texas to immigrant parents from Jalisco, México who work as laborers. As a child, she accompanied her parents to work sites, spending time with her father on construction sites, and helping her mother clean homes. These early experiences were instrumental in shaping her artistic practice, exposing her to the raw materials that form the foundation of her artistic palette, such as spackling paste, plaster, house paint, and grouting tools. By basing her creative practice around labor materials, each piece becomes a celebration of her heritage and a way to honor the sacrifices that her parents and countless immigrants have made. Her work is influenced both by her culture and by her interdisciplinary education in interior design, fashion design, and fine art. Placing her pieces in spaces where Mexican immigrants are often stereotypically confined to roles such as cleaning or gardening, their presence reflects the American dream.
Artist Statement
My work explores the intersection of materiality, heritage, and identity, utilizing
construction materials as a conduit to my Mexican culture. Each piece is crafted with
wood, spackling paste, plaster, and paint, echoing a laborious process learned while working with my
father on construction sites. I aim to break stereotypes about what an individual with my
background might create. The pieces I craft are entirely handmade as a way to honor the
laborers of my family and those of immigrants. These works embody not only the cultural
heritage from my parents but also the practical knowledge gained from their skilled
work ethic. Through my practice, I pay homage using my own memories, such as wet
clothes hanging to dry after bathing in the river, as seen in the draping of my paintings,
constructing a narrative that resonates both personally and universally, celebrating my
dual cultures as a Mexican-American woman and forging a connection to my heritage.
CV
Education
2021
Bachelor of Fine Arts | University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
2018
Summer | Florence University of the Arts
Florence, Italy
Residencies
2024
Spring | Anderson Ranch Arts Center
Snowmass Village, Colorado
Awards
2023
American Design Hot List
Sight Unseen
Group Exhibitions
2023
NYCxDesign | Love House
New York, New York
2022
This Is America | Alcova
Milan, Italy
2021
BRDG Project
Denver, Colorado
Art In The Time Of Corona™
Artsy, Online
Solo Exhibitions
2022
Herencia | Meno Studio
Denver, Colorado
2020
BFA Show | Union Gallery
Lawrence, Kansas
Monica Curiel currently lives and works in Denver, Colorado, USA.