Unborn: Photography by Erika Cespedes

Art Reception

Photography by Erika Cespedes Exhibit runs from Apr 7 - May 16

ARTIST STATEMENT

“Unborn” is centered on memories of the past and allowing oneself to heal. Raw and painful moments of verbal and emotional abuse wilt into distant memories.

The recovery stages become more eminent as the series narrative evolves, allowing the wounds to be revealed and the healing process to begin. The photographs are a therapeutic journey, bringing closure through self-portraiture. The creation of this work allowed me to deeply explore areas within me and understand that I cannot divide myself in fragments: artist, mother, and woman; finally accepting all roles to live in harmony within.

ARTIST BIO

Ever since Erika can remember her passion has been art, she carried a small toy camera everywhere she went. During her years at the British School of Costa Rica, she was involved in art projects and small 3D installations throughout the school. Her first formal photography class was in high school after moving from Costa Rica to Florida. After graduation, she attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale where she obtained an Associates of Science degree in commercial photography and graduated with “Best Portfolio.” Erika relocated to Illinois where she enrolled at the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago in order to complete her bachelor’s degree. During this time, her work transitioned from commercial to fine art photography, allowing her to have a much deeper and more personal connection with her photographic career. Fine art photography allowed her to explore her subconscious, and to create meaningful imagery. During her years in Chicago, Erika exhibited work in local art galleries; she was commissioned several times by Pearson Publishing to create images for their culinary books which allowed her to collaborate with award-winning chefs, sommeliers, and writers.

Erika and her son relocated to West Palm Beach, FL in 2014. She was immediately hired as a teaching artist for the Norton Museum of Art and in 2015 she became part of the photography department at the prestigious Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts as an Artist in Residence, while finalizing her Master’s degree in Fine Art Photography at the Academy of Art University. She relocated to Salt Lake City in 2017, where she continues to exhibit work nationwide, helps with program management at a local non-profit and teaches photography at one of Utah’s universities while raising her son along with her partner. Erika is currently represented by UPA Gallery located in Tampa, FL.

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