Biography
Maria Paredes (b. 1984, Santa Monica, Ca) lives and works in Los Angeles, Ca. She is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, (2008) and also studied at the California College of the Arts in Oakland, as well as abroad at SACI in Florence, Italy. Paredes finds inspiration in her surroundings, both past and present. She works in mixed media and her paintings are multilayered, using found imagery, as well as her own, and digital collage.
Maria Paredes has been in many group shows. She has been a part of the Los Angeles Art Association and were in group shows curated by Mills Moran from Moran Moran Gallery and Martha Otero. She has shown in Pre Incognito/ Igcognito at the ICA, alongside artists such as John Baldessari, Milton Glasser, and Raymond Pettibon.
Artist Statement
My artwork is an exploration of conflicting personal identities, the search for belonging, memory, nostalgia, and storytelling through the medium of painting, collage, and mixed media. In this process I am able to exude a sense of playfulness and raw energy while I confront the complexities of my own identity as a woman that is half Mexican along with its societal expectations and my inner truth.
By incorporating elements of found imagery, from magazines, old photos, personal snapshots, and family photos, I weave together imagery that evoke a sense of familiarity and resonance, blurring the lines between past and present, reality and imagination. Whether drawn from movies, fashion magazines, or music – Imagery serves as the cornerstone of my storytelling, allowing me to delve into the recesses of my past memories and childhood experiences. Through the juxtaposition of disparate elements, I uncover new narratives and reinterpretations, breathing life into forgotten moments.
I try to embrace an art-as-process methodology, allowing myself the freedom to experiment, play, and iterate as I navigate the terrain of my own creativity. Through this approach, I am able to tap into a sense of spontaneity and intuition. Collage and mixed media allow me to break free from the constraints of traditional artistic mediums, unleashing a boundless creativity that infuses my work with a youthful aesthetic.
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Education
2008 School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA
2004 California College of the Arts San Francisco, CA
2008 School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA
2004 California College of the Arts San Francisco, CA
Study Abroad Program
2006 Studio Arts College International Florence, Italy
2006 Studio Arts College International Florence, Italy
Group Exhibitions
2019 Ashes Of Hope Benefit/Fundraiser Downtown Los Angeles, CA
2017 The $100 Show Co-Lab Gallery Los Angeles, CA
2014 Baroque Curated by Mills Moran Los Angeles Arts Association Los Angeles, CA
2014 Habitual Curated by Martha Otero Los Angeles Arts Association Los Angeles, CA
2013 Precognito/Incognito Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, CA
2012 Precognito/Incognito Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, CA
2009 Art Walk Bow & Sparrow Downtown Los Angeles, CA
2008 Conceptual Mining DIY Gallery Echo Park, CA
2019 Ashes Of Hope Benefit/Fundraiser Downtown Los Angeles, CA
2017 The $100 Show Co-Lab Gallery Los Angeles, CA
2014 Baroque Curated by Mills Moran Los Angeles Arts Association Los Angeles, CA
2014 Habitual Curated by Martha Otero Los Angeles Arts Association Los Angeles, CA
2013 Precognito/Incognito Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, CA
2012 Precognito/Incognito Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, CA
2009 Art Walk Bow & Sparrow Downtown Los Angeles, CA
2008 Conceptual Mining DIY Gallery Echo Park, CA