KATIANA RODRIGUEZ
Katiana Rodriguez is a queer, Afro-Latinx artist born and raised in New York City. She currently has a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Illustration. Her artistic influence can be seen throughout the city of Boston. Most notably, she has held a year-long curatorial residency at the Brookline Arts Center and has spent innumerable weekends vending at local art and craft markets. Additionally, Katiana was a member of The Fenway’s inaugural cohort, where she oversaw the planning of Violet Neighborhood, an art event centered around queer BIPOC creators. She has facilitated multiple workshops focused on art, identity, and portraiture. As an artist of color, Katiana is focused on bringing diversity and awareness to visual art spaces through mural work, equity and inclusion initiatives, gallery curation, and event planning.
Instagram: @boogie.down.baby
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ARTIST Q&A
Born: Bronx, NY
Currently lives: Allston, MA
Title of artwork: “Chisme”
What’s it about? In many cultures, including my own, there are moments set aside just for catching up with loved ones, either in person or over the phone. Sometimes, these can turn into full out gossip sessions, or “chisme.” There is a joy in calling just to talk about nothing in particular or to learn about the new and often harmless drama between friends or coworkers. No chisme session is complete, of course, without a little cafecito.
Where else can we find your work? I have a paintbox on Brighton Ave in Allston and mural in downtown Salem until May 2024. And online, of course!
Where is your favorite public art piece in the area? Nell Valle’s mural on Western Ave!
Who is your favorite Boston-area artist to follow? Mural Artist Rixy!
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off? Reading, cooking/ baking with a little sketchbook time
What was your top song for 2022? Lipstick Lover – Janelle Monae
Favorite food spot in in Allston, Brighton or the surrounding area? OliToki or Coreanos
What have you learned about your creative practice in recent years? I have learned a lot of things over the past few years, but I think the biggest one would have to be to keep going. There have been many moments where giving up felt like the right option. When I was overwhelmed with school. When the pandemic hit. When everything felt like it was going wrong, I had to remind myself to keep going and keep creating. Art was a safe place for me, and by continuing to create it, I was able to find myself through some very hard and stressful times. I learned how important and integral to my existence it was to be an artist, and that it was truly what I was meant to spend my life doing.
What is a piece of advice you would give to your past self as a young artist? Younger Katiana, the things you create and the stories you tell matter. Never stop making art, because it will eventually find people who feel like a sense of home when they see it.
What is your dream project to work on? My dream project would be a large and colorful mural in the Bronx, the place that constantly inspires me and the art I create.
