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I create paintings that explore the intersections of pop culture, personal identity, womanhood versus motherhood, and a longing for the past. Inspired by my early experiences in Phoenix and my developmental life in Chicago, I layer whimsical, sometimes satirical elements with expressive brushstrokes to bridge nostalgia and the present together. Childhood references and cartoonish eyes reflect both the playful and unsettling aspects of nostalgia—where innocence and imagination collide with the complexities of adulthood. My fascination with American and Japanese street culture, combined with influences from artists like David Choe and Paul Klee, fuels my love of bold color, texture, and stylized forms. Each piece becomes a dialogue between the familiar and the surreal, inviting viewers to question their own recollections and sense of self. By mixing vivid and unexpected imagery, I aim to highlight the messy, joyful, and complex human stories that shape who we are. My work is a direct reflection of my journey in life as a Latina woman and mother. It is an attempt to reconcile tradition with transformation, childhood memories with contemporary pop aesthetics, and cultural identity with universal emotion. Through these painted narratives, I hope to spark thoughtful reflection and a shared enjoyment of wonder.

Bio: Adriana Miranda is a 29-year-old Abstract Expressionist and Pop artist based in Chicago, Illinois. Originally born in Phoenix, Arizona, she moved to Oak Park, Illinois, at a young age. A painter since the age of five, Adriana broke the patrilineal cycle of artists in her family, boldly stepping into the role of an innovator and storyteller. Her work draws inspiration from pop culture, identity, and her studies in Japanese, all interwoven with a profound sense of nostalgia. This emotional depth, combined with her vibrant, textured style, creates a visual language that connects past and present. Influences from artists like David Choe and Paul Klee have shaped much of her creative journey. Adriana’s vision for the future includes showcasing her work internationally, with aspirations of being featured in museums and private collections around the world.

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Socially Distanced is an exploration of the intersection between photography, sculpture, and design, encapsulating the essence of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Through a meticulous process of photographing subjects, manipulating colors, and incorporating CDC virus data, this series of framed artworks transcends traditional boundaries. Each piece in this collection features subjects that have been photographed, color-manipulated, printed, and meticulously cut out, with their feet remaining attached to the print. This unique technique allows the cutout figures to lean forward within the frame, casting natural shadows that infuse the artworks with a dynamic, lifelike quality. Drawing inspiration from simple design elements and the ever-evolving data surrounding the pandemic, Socially Distanced captures the essence of a time when standing apart became a necessity. The deliberate positioning of the figures within the frames reflects the real-life adjustments and considerations that shaped our interactions during this period. Through the laborious process of creating these framed environments, I found a cathartic release from the anxieties of uncertainty. By reflecting on and manipulating measurable designs, I was able to channel my energy into a playful exploration of form and space, offering viewers a glimpse into a transformative period in our collective history.

Bio: Jacob Watts is an artist residing in Chicago Illinois that specializes in image manipulation. Through digital and physical manipulation, he seeks to push the boundaries of photography to blend with illustration and sculpture. Jacob found a love for art around the age of thirteen and developed an early aesthetic that has grown with him over the years. Initially he used stock imagery to composite his artworks but often found those images to be limiting. This inspired him to photograph his subjects and sceneries himself which grew into a stock imagery base of his own to use. Inspired by this process, he went to Columbia College Chicago for a BFA in photography. This experience massively helped shape, structure, and inform his art practices. He currently resides in Chicago, and is the creator of the giant moose blowing bubblegum mural. Working as a photographer, retoucher, and artist, Jacob is always pushing his creative ideas. Currently, he is experimenting in photo-based sculptures as seen in his “Socially Distanced” series.

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B. 1990 California, USA Sierra Severson is an analog collage artist from coastal California now based in Chicago. In a world of media saturation, Sierra finds it therapeutic to be able to manipulate and create something entirely new from the wealth of images that already exist. Analog collage began as a therapy practice, a respite from screens and technology, as well as an appreciation for the preciousness of print media from the past. Her work is informed by her previous life as a social worker, and inspired by her ongoing love affair with life as an ever evolving force. She creates works involving architecture, nature, the human condition, and the ongoing struggle for women’s sovereignty. She strives to inspire introspection and create surreal moments of joy and dark comedy while dealing with heavy subjects.