Abby Aceves

Artist Statement:

My practice is rooted in storytelling and shaped by my culture and heritage. I create work that resonates with viewers and fosters a sense of visibility and representation, centering people of color, especially women of color, as a primary vehicle for expression. Through these depictions, I explore a spectrum of empowerment and vulnerability. Having grown up in Mexico in a house full of plants and animals, I am deeply inspired by the relationship we have with the physical materials of our planet’s surface, both emotionally and physically. I use figurative elements, symbolism, color, texture, and composition to communicate my perspective on contemporary Mexican culture, which remains a central source of inspiration. I am also inspired by the intersection of fashion and fine art, which informs my interest in texture and color. While oil paint is my primary medium, I have begun experimenting with materials such as epoxy clay, resins, and cold wax to expand my expressive range and enhance the tactile quality of my work. Through these approaches, I aim to evoke cultural continuity and personal identity, capturing both enduring tradition and contemporary innovation.