Meet Julia Csekö

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Csekö.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Colorado and grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2011, I moved to Boston, Massachusetts to pursue an MFA at SMFA at Tufts. I am incredibly excited and honored to have been selected for the MASS MoCA residency program to take place in May 2018 where I will further explore my multi-disciplinary practice as a sculptor, painter and performer. In 2016 I was awarded the Walter Feldman Fellowship, administered by the Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston which resulted in my 1st solo exhibition in the USA. I divide my time between being a Practicing Artist and an Independent Curator, serving as the Arts Program Coordinator at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts (IBA Boston). In my role at VVCA I am implementing an exhibitions program at La Galeria, showcasing contemporary art by artist of Latin American origin/heritage, including artists working within Latin American subjects and aesthetics. My most recent work gravitates around video performances exploring my experience as a Brazilian immigrant in North America and the existential shenanigans that ensue. My work as a curator and organizer focuses on diversity, inclusion, community-building innovation, political engagement, experimentation and risk-taking. Since graduation I have participated in numerous group exhibitions at national and international venues and my artwork is featured in collections including the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro and Centro Cultural São Paulo, Brazil, as well as private collections in the United States and Brazil.

Please tell us about your art.
My practice embraces diverse media, encompassing painting, sculpture and performance. I’m interested in moving past the concept of the viewer as the passive bystander, encouraging a more active role in experiencing art.
The use of written language allows me to disseminate beautiful ideas — of social, philosophical and emotional importance — that would otherwise reside only the privacy of my mind. My performances are inspired by the ancient notion of the Greek Agora in which performer and viewer, creation and consumption occupy the same space. I strive to seduce the gaze of the spectator into the intricacies of the era of instant communication, such as love, reproduction, replication, socio-economic inequality, justice, and identity. My work as both an artist and a curator are designed to create temporary autonomous zones where critical thinking and constructive criticism are encouraged. I am fueled by the thought that fatalism can be overcome and that alternatives abound.

By experiencing the present with a sense of wonder we become able to achieve a shift in paradigm, propelled to construct a future grounded in love, tolerance, diversity, fraternity, friendship, equality and beauty.

I am still trying to figure out which box I should check when asked who I am, and I know I am NOT alone.

The way people engage with art is informed by myriad factors. No matter the story behind a person’s gaze, I strive to reach out to them. I want to propose instead of scream against (but I’ll scream my head off if it seems like the time is right). I want people to respond as much as I want them to ask. I want questions, amazement, glitter, sweat, magic, rainbows, representation, tolerance, diversity, friendship and perspective. I want a future where no one will dare say, “it has always been this way” to justify the unthinkable.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Work with what you have, if you don’t have space make small pieces, make videos, take photos, draw, write, think of art beyond the market and material aspect of it. Art is a daily practice, it can be ephemeral, time based, actions – it does not depend on objects or on having lots of resources at your disposal. The true raw material of artists are ideas, and once you realize this you can make art no matter the hardships you endure. It’s important to document and keep track of ideas, don’t take them for granted, no matter how small or huge they are. Sometimes your perspective needs to change in order for you to keep making art and for you to materialize your vision, make that exciting. Being an artist is usually not a choice and therefore you must learn to keep your practice flexible and resilient to external adversity. As Helio Oiticica one of the most important Brazilian artists once said: of adversity we live! Lastly, I suggest reading Hakim Bey’s TAZ: Temporary Autonomous Zone. Good luck!

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
www.juliacseko.com
https://vimeo.com/user71076360
@juliacseko_MakesArt
@juliacseko

I take commission, especially my fabric sculptures and written paintings, I also love making public murals with my written pieces. Contact through my website.

Pls follow my work as a curator and Arts Program Coordinator at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts and come visit La Galeria! Our program can be found at our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/IBAboston/?ref=br_rs

Contact Info:

• Website: www.juliacseko.com
• Instagram: @juliacseko
• Other: @juliacseko_MakesArt https://vimeo.com/user71076360

Image Credit:
Joana Traub Csekö

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