Interview
Yesica Ochoa
Yesica is a multidisciplinary artist and designer from Córdoba, Argentina. She graduated in graphic design in 2015. In 2016, she studied visual arts at the Figueroa Alcorta School of Fine Arts.
Yesica has participated in interdisciplinary art exhibitions and festivals with paintings, video art, experimental animation and mapping for concerts, performance, and theater set design.
In 2016, Yesica began coordinating painting lessons and expressive art therapy in the Susana Lupiañez Cultural Space, after training with artist and psychologist, Cristian Miguel.
What is your background and how did you start your journey?
“I became fond of the arts when I was around 7 years old, copying my grandfather’s beautiful drawings. At the age of 20, I formally took up painting and drawing lessons with amazing artists Dardo Gómez, Ariel Archina, Lucas Aguirre and Washington Riviere, and sculpture with Juan F. Fernández.
In 2014, I studied traditional, experimental, stop motion and 3D animation with Steven Woloshen, the SE-MA-FOR group in Poland, Martín Eschoyez and Juan Manuel Costa. A few months later, I worked with theater directors Mercedes Chiodi at the audiovisual production company FAQ, and Cheté Cavagliatto in Cuerpo de mujer peligro de muerte.”
What inspires you most?
“I’m always inspired by the authenticity in other people, and their passion in whatever field they work in. By seeing myself in others and learning from them, I allow myself to receive and transform my perception of life.
I’m also inspired by the beautiful and mysterious force of nature, and by my curiosity and passion for other cultures’ paintings, music, and dances.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My main theme is the human condition in general. I reflect my internal and external experience of being a woman, together with all that it implies. I regard it as strongly connected to the beauty and wisdom of nature, so flowers and the female form are some of my recurring themes.”
“I’m interested in the immediate feeling one gets from the colors, skin, and general atmosphere in my artworks, and in the possible psychological and subjective implications we can feel when looking at each piece.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work can be described as somewhat erratic. I’m always trying to play and experiment with different techniques: digital, video art, and even artificial intelligence tools. But my favorites always end up being paintings of women and nature.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I was heavily influenced as a painter by my great teacher, Ariel Archina. I’m also influenced by the many female artists I come across in various fields, whether visual arts, theater, or dance.”
What is your creative process like?
“I’ve a very intuitive process, especially after having studied expressive art therapy. Whenever something has a special impact on me at an emotional, psychological or intellectual level, it’s a starting point to go deeper and explore. I never know what the result of that process will be, and that’s what makes it interesting for me.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists will always express subjective experiences and reflect our world in a creative and authentic way. The role evolves, adapting itself to change and technological innovation, because human expression is beyond the tool used to make art.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Open Art by ArtNumber23 gallery was my latest exhibition. It showcased in beautiful Greece, and I loved sharing it with incredible artists. You can view it here.”
Website: www.yesicaochoa.com.ar
Instagram: @yesicaocha.art
