Short Bio

Multidisciplinary artist specializing in murals, public art, and storytelling that celebrates identity, community, and cultural resilience.

Statement

As an artist, I perceive my work as fundamentally grounded in storytelling and community engagement. I endeavor to create artworks that establish connections among individuals, locations, and cultures, thereby reflecting the collective human experience. My transition from La Paz, Bolivia, to the United States has significantly influenced my worldview, motivating me to investigate themes such as migration, identity, and resilience.
I assert that art has the transformative ability to alter environments and stimulate dialogue. Through the creation of vibrant murals, public installations, and sculptural pieces, I aim to honor diversity and cultivate a sense of belonging. My artistic process frequently commences with community engagement: actively listening to their narratives, understanding their histories, and integrating their voices into the final composition.
Each artwork I produce is not merely an artistic expression; it functions as a conduit between tradition and contemporary interpretation, celebrating the multifaceted nature and beauty of life. Whether I am engaged in the creation of a large-scale mural or a more intimate project, my objective is to impart a lasting impact that resonates with the audience.
For me, art signifies connection: to our heritage, to one another, and to the surrounding world. Through my creative endeavors, I aspire to inspire understanding, pride, and unity within the communities I engage with.

Biography

Hugo E. Medina is a multidisciplinary artist whose work intricately weaves together diverse cultures, communities, and generations through the medium of compelling visual storytelling. Born in La Paz, Bolivia, he immigrated to the United States during his childhood, an experience that profoundly influenced his perspectives on identity, resilience, and the shared human experience. His formative years were shaped by his father's architectural background and the rich traditions of his Bolivian heritage, establishing a strong foundation for his creative endeavors.
Mr. Medina's artistic trajectory is characterized by a steadfast commitment to community engagement. From an early age, he recognized the potential of art to unite individuals, articulate narratives that might otherwise remain unexplored, and create environments where cultural diversity is both acknowledged and celebrated. Through mechanisms such as bold murals, sculptural installations, and collaborative projects, his work exemplifies the belief that art can serve as a conduit between personal narratives and universal themes.
Grounded in themes of migration and belonging, Hugo’s artworks examine the intricate complexities of the human experience, frequently illuminating the stories of underrepresented communities. His dynamic use of color and form not only elicits emotional responses but also encourages audiences to engage in meaningful dialogues concerning identity, history, and collective memory.
Committed to fostering social connections and inspiring others, Hugo E. Medina is driven by a mission to produce art that transforms spaces and enriches the lives of those who engage with it. Currently residing in Ithaca, New York, he continues to pursue projects that celebrate diversity and explore the interplay between culture, community, and creativity.

Resume / CV

EDUCATION  
Master of Arts in Education, University of Phoenix, 2006  Specialization: Curriculum and Instruction  Bachelor of Fine Arts, Long Island University/C.W. Post Campus, 1998  
HONORS AND AWARDS  
Governor’s Art Award, Nominee, 2016  
Mayor’s Art Award for Public Art, 2012  
Cox Communications Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree, 2012  

TEACHING EXPERIENCE  
Phoenix College (2015–2021) – Adjunct Faculty, Art  
Courses: Art History (ARH 100), Color Theory (ART 113), Drawing (ART 101/102).  
Arizona State University, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (2017–2020) – Faculty Associate  
Delivered lectures on the history of murals and facilitated guided mural tours.  
Arizona State University, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts (2013–2015) – Adjunct Faculty  
Developed and taught a Community Mural Class, encompassing mural history, proposal creation, budgeting, and execution.  
Public School Art Teacher (1998–2008) – Phoenix, Arizona  
Instructed students in grades K-8 and coached after-school sports programs.
  
SELECT PUBLIC ART PROJECTS AND MURALS  
Hotel Ithaca Mural, Ithaca, New York (2024)  
My Rochester! Murals, Public Arts Equity Project, Rochester, New York (2024)  
Soluna Apartments Murals, City of Phoenix Housing, Phoenix, Arizona (2022)  
Together We Rise COVID-19 Mural, Phoenix, Arizona (2020)  
Checkmate Mural, Cambridge International Street Art Festival, Ontario, Canada (2016)  
Selma March Mural, Center for Neighborhood Leadership, Phoenix, Arizona (2014)  
Miles Davis Mural, Avondale, Arizona (2013)  

EXHIBITIONS  
Solo Exhibitions:  
Portraits, CAP ArtSpace Gallery, Ithaca, New York (2022)  
10-Year Retrospective, Arizona State Capitol Museum, Phoenix, Arizona (2019)
Sobrevivir - First Studio Gallery. Phoenix, Arizona (2019)

Group Exhibitions: 
WEST: Artists of Color, Civic Center Public Gallery, Scottsdale, Arizona (2021)  
Imprint: Viva La Cultura, Art HQ Gallery, Surprise, Arizona (2021)
PoP Collection Juried Exhibition- Portland in the Park / Artlink. Phoenix, Arizona (2020)
Arizona State University Sculpture Show - The Grand Arthaus Gallery. Phoenix, Arizona (2017)
 
BOARD MEMBERSHIP AND LEADERSHIP  
Calle 16 Mural Project – Co-Founder, Board Member, Artist (2009–2014)  
Artlink Phoenix – Board Member (2010–2014)  
City of Phoenix Commission of the Arts and Culture – Board Member (2010–2014)  

SKILLS 
Expertise in public art design and execution of large-scale murals  
Proficient in mixed media, metal fabrication, and CAD design  
Skilled in community engagement and collaborative project management  
Bilingual in English and Spanish  

A comprehensive curriculum vitae can be accessed on my website.