Brenda Barrios, ( B. Los Angeles,) is a multidisciplinary artist whose works with sculpture, performance, music production, Kinetic, Video, and painting. Her practice is deeply rooted in exploring themes of disability through the lens of Chicana methodologies, integrating platicas and rigorous research into her creative process. In her multi-disciplinary practice, Barrios draws inspiration from her personal, narrative as a first-generation Mexican American living with a disability.
In her recent sculpture, "Cómo Hacer un Té Casero," Barrios employed materials such as turmeric and copper, significant in her family's holistic healing traditions. This piece exemplifies her innovative approach, blending tactile elements with cultural symbolism. Her sculptures frequently incorporate kinetic and robotic components, reflecting her experiences navigating healthcare systems and the complexities of first-generation identity.
One of Barrios's installations, "Yerba Mala Nunca Muere," focuses on the Chicana car community in Los Angeles, using color to symbolize the impact of autoimmune disorders on bodily strength. This work underscores her ability to merge personal narrative with broader social themes, creating poignant reflections on resilience and identity.
Barrios earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from UCLA in 2023 currently a candidate for a Master of Yale School of Art. Her trajectory as an artist is marked by a commitment to innovation, cultural exploration, and the profound exploration of disability and identity within contemporary art discourse.