Mónica is an interdisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles, CA. Her practice spans metals, mixed media sculpture, sound design, poetry, and movement, reflecting a deep engagement with both traditional and contemporary methods. Often blending techniques from sculpting and jewelry-making, Mónica sees these disciplines as interconnected, seamlessly integrating them into her creations. Working under her own name and the brand Desviado, her art draws inspiration from Victorian design, religious iconography, and the nuances of human emotion.
Mónica Moreno
she/her
Los Angeles, CA, USA
“This piece delves into the profound relationship between the body and spirituality, portraying the intertwined nature of our physical and spiritual selves. It reflects how these two aspects are inseparable, both essential to shaping our identity and experiences. The fragmented human form symbolizes the burden of religious expectations, illustrating the tension between the desire to embrace our true selves and the pressure to conform to obedience.”
How does your work relate to the theme connection?
“Flesh and Faith explores the theme of connection, emphasizing how our physical bodies and the life force within them, though distinct, work in harmony as one. This mirrors the human family as well. Each of us is a part of something larger, something we collectively create. We don't merely exist alongside one another on this shared planet. Our spirits intertwine, influencing each other in profound ways. Together, we must actively shape the environments we wish to live in, as our collective efforts define the world we create and experience. We cannot achieve this without connecting, without working together as one. It is through unity and collaboration that we can shape the world we desire."
What role does connection play in your creative process?
“I work with many different materials and processes, quite literally finding ways to connect pieces with my hands through various methods. I go through trials and testing, often making errors along the way. This mirrors life. Sometimes I try to make things work together, even when I’m told they shouldn’t; other times, I take a more traditional approach. In a deeper sense, I strive to connect what’s in my imagination and my emotions to something physical and tangible, hoping that others can resonate with that feeling in their own unique way. If I can connect with someone, even by bringing a smile, making them feel less alone, or understood, I feel I’ve achieved something meaningful."
What connection(s) does your queerness make to the world around you?
“I find people fascinating. The world itself is fascinating, even in the moments that don't work in my favor. I can honestly say that I can find a reason to love anyone, to feel affection, and to appreciate a person's unique qualities, setting aside feelings of irritation, disappointment, or anger. Queerness, to me, is that. It enables me to connect with the people I encounter. It allows me to appreciate their differences because, in many ways, I am clearly very different from them too."
"Flesh and Faith", sterling silver, leather, 3" x 2" x 1", 2024Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“This collar incorporates both fabrication, lost wax casting, and hand-sculpted figures. The cross, wings, and bail, however, were wax models provided to me for a competition I entered but ultimately chose not to submit to. I needed more time to fully develop the design and create a symbol that expressed my thoughts and feelings. Taking that extra time led me to this composition. I chose to create a collar because collars can hold various meanings and serve as bold, prominent statement pieces. The black leather is deeply symbolic as well, representing sacrifice, night, and flesh. It adds another layer of meaning to the piece, connecting the physical material to themes of transformation and the darker, more primal aspects of existence."