Michelle Delgado
Michelle Delgado is an artist from San Antonio, Texas currently working out of her studio near cambridge, England. She earned her BFA in Painting from Texas State university and is currently completing a masters degree in fine arts from Aru, cambridge school of art, in cambridge, england.
Michelle has a passion for community. she has curated and collaborated on many art exhibitions and events. Her goal is to create a safe place that is inclusive and supportive for creatives to thrive. she has the influence of san antonio's art community to thank as an example for such a space.
Michelle delgado’s work has been shown in numerous gallery exhibitions. Her curatorial recognitions include Glasstire’s Top 5 List, her work has been selected by curator Mark Pascale of The Art Institute of Chicago, and her video performance "Don't Look" was selected for the finger mullet film festival at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum in St. Augustine, FL.
Artist statement
My ideas stem from lived experiences, dialogue, dream interpretations, and the deciphering of emotions in my personal life. Essential tools in my studio include a dictionary, thickening mediums, a camera, and a sketchbook full of quick drawings and written entries. aside from paint, ink, and charcoal, I use materials like glass, vinyl, wire, and building supplies. I live to experience the cause and effect that happens when I am actively creating in the studio. It feels most right when I surrender to the medium and am quick to make decisions.
I've always loved exploring ways to get outside of the frame. My video performance piece "Don’t Look" is inspired by 1920’s queer artist Claude Cahun, where I use my body as a tool to represent irony and time. western civilization is built on consumerism and familiarity. At times, I relate my work to social issues, refer to "Bootlicker", a satire on American patriotism. In academic critiques, my work has been called rebellious, humorous and fearless, like that of dada and avant-garde. ultimately, I just love to experiment and explore. there's something beautiful and terrifying about experiencing something new, that in-between is where my creativity grows.
My influences originate from the abstract expressionists, such as Helen Frankenthaler and Joan Mitchell, the industrial materials of Eva Hesse, and the visceral approach of artists such as Elizabeth Murray and Howard Sherman. furthermore, I am inspired by the countless creatives i have come across in the communities i occupy. I believe that one of the most important factors in an artist's career is the people they surround themselves with. community is everything.
Welcome to my portfolio!
Aside from fine arts, michelle delgado is also a makeup artist, independent curator, youtube video creator, and roller skater. follow her on instagram @shellyvibesart to learn more.