Yenia Jimenez (She/Her/Ella) is a San Francisco born and raised artist from the Oakdale housing projects in Hunter’s Point. She is a multi-disciplinary artist that creates through poetry, books, zines, literary magazines, photography, abstract art, and recently venturing into screen printing. Her family is indigenous to Guatemala with her father having afro-indigenous roots. Her family is the first to migrate here to the US and that has largely inspired her work by growing up with values of family and community. 

Yenia’s creative process has allowed her to connect with her roots by combining her process with ancestral medicina. Her process not only allows her to ground herself but she finds it to be one of the main sources of her power. Her artistic journey began as a child through storytelling in elementary school by participating in writing workshops and being in community with her elders. She shares memories of her elders, sharing a cup of cafecito or atole and listening to them share old folk tales, family stories, and horror stories. 

As a visual artist, poet, editor, writer, and creator she says that “words are spells, and they hold power within them.” This belief has led her to creating and launching her own magazine titled- Decolonize Your Mind, currently taking submissions for her 2nd issue. 

She also is working towards starting her own publishing house with a branch for youth programming to promote poetry and journalism. Yenia also has a few poetry books in the pipeline- follow her for more updates!! 

From September 8th to October 15th, Alejandra Rubio curated "We The Artists" featuring 5 standout Bay Area Latine artists, highlighting the modern artistic identity and representation.

Feature Published: Sept 15, 2023
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