He/Him
https://perezlacruz.com/
arqperezlacruz@gmail.com
Photography, Performance, Film/Video, Engaged & Public Arts/Social Practice, Sculpture / Installation
In-person, Online, Hybrid mentor (in-person and online)

BIO 

I am Juan Diego Pérez la Cruz. As a Venezuelan architect with a master’s degree in visual communication, artist, and culture bearer, my work is a reflection of a personal investigation into memory, body, and territory. The resources I use vary from the private or appropriate archive to the use of patriotic symbols and public space, resulting in a series of methodical works that explore personal and intimate matters and how they are later reflected in the public sphere. My work has been shown in various countries such as Venezuela, Spain, Chile, and the United States. I have also participated in several art residencies including Tres Pinos Foundation in Buenos Aires, Guapamacataro in Michoacan, and NES in Iceland. From 2017 to 2020, I was the coordinator for the artists in residence program at the Museum of Contemporary Art of La Boca in Buenos Aires, a very enriching experience on a personal and professional level, where I worked directly with more than 30 artists, 15 exhibitions, and organized dozens of sessions for the artists to engage with the La Boca neighborhood community. Since seeking asylum in 2020, I have chosen to support the Latino and immigrant artist communities here in Minnesota through Plataforma Raíz. This educational platform shares and creates resources and opportunities for artists’ professional development while creating and strengthening community connections.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY & MENTORSHIP

Both the creative and educational processes are conducive to all artists as participants are constantly learning and growing. Through this guided process, we explore the possibilities of the artist’s work; specifically, where experimentation and the unpredictable join a constant mediation and confrontation with the work of art.

Mi primer idioma es el español, si te sientes más comodo expresándote en este idioma puedes comunicármelo. My first language is Spanish, please let me know if you feel more comfortable expressing yourself in this language.