A ritual can be seen as a sacred practice—a unique set of actions one does to honor something bigger than themselves. From something as common as a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, to dedicated time in a temple, rituals are a full bodied, multi-sensory experience meant to serve an intangible purpose. Rebecca Nava Soto is a multi-disciplinary Latinx artist who specializes in mixed-media, performative, and ephemeral installations. Her work often includes themes of contemporary indigenous Mesoamérican iconography, writing, spirituality, and cosmology, and commonly includes materials that are symbolic of her Mexican roots and personal upbringing. She is currently a professor at the Art Academy in Cincinnati and continues to exhibit her work internationally. Rebecca is a shining light of inspiration when it comes to practice and ritual. She is an active listener, respectful explorer, and trustworthy deliberator. Her art consistently demonstrates her ability to channel the world through conscious arrangements and she never ceases to speak with humbleness and grace.
About the speaker
Rebecca Nava Soto is a multidisciplinary Latinx artist and educator. She uses mixed media painting, digital media, performance and ephemeral installations to explore themes of perception, iconography, writing/image-making, spirituality, and cosmology. Drawing attention towards ancient and contemporary indigenous Mesoamérica and Latinx perspectives that illuminate conditions in the present.
In the studio, through material and process, research and influences operate at a hinge point with a self-generating element, a mediumistic relationship is formed with the artist and revealed through the art.
"In an act of decolonization, my art practice draws from the artistic roots, processes, materials and world views of my indigenous Mexican roots. Through moving meditative and material practices and research into historic and contemporary Mesoamérican culture, my work is driven by states of heightened perception where time and distance collapses - speaking to this moment. Despite colonialism's best efforts our ancestors' spirits live on, through us. Art brings forth what is hiding beneath the surface, revealing a sustenance that can guide us, heal us and empower us individually and collectively."
Rebecca received her M.F.A. in Painting from Boston University in 2004 and her B.F.A. from the University of Cincinnati in 2000. She has taught at the college level since 2008, including courses in Fine Arts, Drawing, Design, and Art History. She currently serves on the faculty at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Rebecca has exhibited nationally and internationally. She has regularly worked with Artworks, a local non-profit, where she has been the lead Teaching Artist for 11 public murals in the Greater Cincinnati area.
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