Meet Arleene Correa Valencia (she/her/ella), a multimedia artist whose work is deeply rooted in her 1997 migration from Mexico to the SF Bay Area. Arleene’s art merges portraits and phrases using her family's old clothing and Latin American textiles, particularly from Mexico. Her non-representational tapestries portray the immigrant and undocumented worker experience, focusing on movement and family dynamics. 

Arleene’s signature collaged textile 'paintings' celebrate her vibrant migrant community, and offer intimate portrayals of her life experiences and inspirations. Especially poignant works include those exhibited in “Naces Así, Naces Prieto. No Naces Blanco” [At Catherine Clark Gallery in 2022] that dive into the father-daughter relationship and family separation. The series is heavily inspired by letters between Arleene and her father while he was separated from their family by the US-Mexico border. Including, “25 Estrellas: Sueños Para Mi Hija / 25 Stars: Dreams For My Daughter” [image 6 in carousel].

Arleene is a former Headlands Center for the Arts Bay Area Fellow and featured artist at the Bay Area Now 9 at YBCA. Her upcoming group shows include"Holding" at New York's Abrons Art Centerand "Moving Stories In the Making" at The Luminary in Missouri.

Feature Published: January 26, 2024
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