ABOUT
Arantxa Araujo's art employs the metaphor of a neuron's physiology and function to illuminate the intricate connections within her practice. At the heart of this exploration is the body, likened to the soma of a neuron or a vast lake. Just as dendrites receive synaptic input, Araujo's work draws influence from a diverse range of disciplines and identities, including dance, yoga, philosophy, marketing, mathematics, feminism, somatic practices, biology, neuroscience, and more. These incoming rivers of influence are processed and transformed into a multiform output encompassing video, photography, sculpture, and installation, all driven by a deep purpose: to create awareness and inspire individuals to be the best versions of themselves each day. Performance art serves as a central axis of Araujo's practice, mirroring the neuron's role as an integrative hub that processes and conveys complexity.
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Through her artwork, Araujo addresses themes of identity, immigration, and community from a distinctly queer immigrant feminist perspective. She challenges conventional societal norms and preconceptions, advocating for the recognition and affirmation of diverse expressions and experiences. As a Mexican artist with Basque and Cantabrian ancestry, Araujo is deeply rooted in her multicultural heritage. She draws richly from her upbringing, the land, and the histories of her community to decolonize and deconstruct archaic and harmful belief systems. This cultural tapestry enriches her work, providing profound insights into the layers of her intersectional identity. Her practice meditates on the impact of cultural heritage and personal history in shaping both individual and collective identities.
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By exploring the journey of self-discovery, Araujo highlights narratives of resilience and survival, celebrating the pursuit of belonging and self-realization. Her work affirms the transformative power of community and the enduring human spirit, offering a visionary perspective that resonates deeply with audiences. By bringing marginalized narratives to the forefront, Araujo fosters an inclusive dialogue that enriches the ongoing discourse on identity, existence, and cultural connection in today's world.
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Her work has been shown in the Brooklyn Museum, at the Radical Women LatinAmerican Art Exhibit, Leslie-Lohman Museum, Grace Exhibition Space, The Queens Museum (NYC); RAW and Satellite Art Fair (Miami); Illuminus Festival (Boston), and SPACE Gallery (Pittsburgh); ExTeresaArte Actual Museum, and La Explanada del MUAC (Mexico); and Nuit Blanche Festival (Canada). Araujo is a Franklin Furnace Fund awardee, BAC and LMCC grantee and has received support through numerous residencies and fellowships including Leslie-Lohman Museum Artist Fellowship, Creative Capital taller, ITP Camp and EMERGENYC. Araujo was awarded a full scholarship from Mexican Government Institution CONACYT. She holds an MA in Motor Learning and Control from Teachers College, Columbia University and a BA in Theater Studies from Emerson College.