bIO


Michelle Solorzano is a figurative ceramic sculptor whose work explores themes of immigration, identity, and culture, all woven into a narrative shaped by her personal experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Ceramics from the State University of New York at Potsdam and is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics at Indiana University's Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture, and Design. Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Michelle relocated to New York with her family when she was fifteen. Her artwork serves as a testament to the diverse tapestry of Dominican heritage, blending Taino, African, and Spanish influences. Now residing in Bloomington, Indiana, she is focused on her studies and sharing her passion for ceramics through teaching.

aRTIST sTATEMENT

My work is a personal exploration of my cultural identity, influenced by the complex interplay of colonization, immigration, and assimilation. The Dominican Carnaval, with its deep historical roots, serves as a focal point in this exploration, highlighting the lasting impact of colonization on contemporary society.

Beyond the vibrancy of theatrical performances, characters like The Devil in all its iterations, and the aesthetic of the Carnaval that embraces bright colors, repetition, and maximalist adornment, what captivates me most is the temporary dismantling of social hierarchies within this cultural celebration. Through extensive research, I rediscover the historical and cultural significance of these elements. My own persona, portrayed through self-portraits, becomes a means to document and retell aspects of the Dominican Republic's cultural and political history, often misrepresented through the lens of colonized minds.

Through surreal narratives, my work aims to bring awareness to challenges I've encountered, encompassing the language barrier, prejudice, and the process of cultural and social assimilation. Concepts of duality and biculturalism reflect the constant oscillation between not feeling entirely American nor Dominican, yet simultaneously embodying aspects of both. I frequently ponder the significance of my presence in each culture, reflecting on the merits and losses incurred by actively engaging in both. While sometimes wrestling with questions of identity and belonging I am actively embedding myself within the narrative with the aim of establishing a personal connection with my audience and humanizing the immigrant experience.

I view the creation of these sculptures as an internal struggle, a continuous effort to preserve my culture. By transforming memories of everyday objects and places from my homeland into tangible forms, I preserve them both in my mind and in my surroundings.