Mónica Moreno
she/her
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Mónica Moreno lives and works in Los Angeles, California. She holds a degree in audio production and has experience in various fields such as dance and graphic design. Her artistic practice embraces an expanding array of mediums.
“As an interdisciplinary artist, Mónica’s artistic practice navigates the diverse realm of materials and processes. She embraces an array of mediums including metals, mixed media sculpture, poetry, experimental sound, poetry, and movement. At the core, her practice invites us to explore the depths of our shared humanity, finding solace and communion in the nuances of our collective existence.
The ability to create is the greatest gift that I have been given. It is yours too.” ~ Mónica Moreno
What does being queer mean to you in relation to your material choices? Is it something you consider?
“My preferred materials are always evolving. I don't believe this is necessarily connected to my identity as a queer person. My choices shift because I'm always growing and changing. This is simply part of being human; regardless of the labels we are given, we should continuously evolve. If we aren't progressing, that's a concern."
"Punishment", Copper, pewter, Variable (3 pieces), 2023Is the work queer because the maker is queer, or is it queer because the subject matter is queer?
“My thought is that whether a work is queer because of the artist's identity or its subject matter depends on the work of art itself. We are all marked by various labels, but it may be best for each artist to determine this for themselves with each individual piece they create. Some pieces are more saturated in specific subject matter than others. Each singular work may hold a profoundly different piece of the artist's identity."
"Love Receiver", Copper, pewter, silk, Variable Sizes, 2022-2023
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“The pieces I am sharing are part of an ongoing series of mine titled Catholic Guilt. This series features artworks crafted from pewter, copper, solder, and various unconventional materials or found objects. Influenced by my upbringing in a Catholic household within a predominantly Christian community, the pieces draw inspiration from my personal experiences and observations. They reflect on how these belief systems have shaped my perceptions of self, others, and the world around me."
"Divine Contraception", Copper, resin, solder, enamel, condom, birth control pills, found charm, steel, Halo 7" x 7" x 2", Brooch 3" x 2" x 1", 2022