Gabriella Ruiz, also known as “Leather Papi” is a multidisciplinary self-taught artist. Her art ranges from sculpture and design, to the intersection of technology with her work. Ruiz was born in 1991 and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. She doesn’t really have an educational background in regard to obtaining any particular degree or studying at any particular place. She did, however, take advantage of resources from the CalArts center because she had friends who went there. Her work has been featured at art institutions as well as public venues where nightlife dominates the area. She has also been featured on articles written by the LA Times.
A lot of her artwork combines her background as a queer Mexican-American and her promotion of sex positivity. Some of her more prominent installations. work includes Haus and Full of Tears. Full of Tears is an installation that combines 3D rendering and video mapping to create a digital self portrait. Haus is more immersive to the audience in that the exhibit features an installation of 5 monochromatic rooms in the colors red, yellow, pink, green, and blue. Home is supposed to be an intimate setting and experience. According to Ruiz, they each represent a different mood.
She also has her own small business (aka “Leather Papi), where she designs clothes and other accessories. Her line includes gender neutral fashion, and is inspired by both Bdsm culture/kink and Mexican iconography. This is a very interesting mix considering how traditional Mexican culture can be argued as being very conservative. She breaks tradition in not just the cultural aspect, but as a queer woman. Women are often objectified, but they themselves are looked down upon for being sexual beings. Her work reinforces her power as a woman to express this sexuality.
No comments:
Post a Comment