Observing Shadows: a conversation with Alejandra Arias Sevilla

Drawing on process-based metaphors for loss and growth, transformation and deformation, artist Alejandra Arias Sevilla’s practice is rooted in printmaking, and encompasses papermaking, animation, book arts, and more. Through abstraction of form and language, her work emphasizes the practice of close observation. Enthralled by the relationship between translation and shadow, her recent works in paper explore the semiotics of wrought iron guards, text, and the color blue.

In this webinar, Arias Sevilla will discuss her creative practice as well as her experience as the 2024 Marabeth Cohen-Tyler Print/Paper Fellow at Dieu Donné, in which she collaborated with resident artists and developed a body of artwork in paper.

Above: Alejandra Arias Sevilla utilizing blowout papermaking method in Dieu Donné's studio.

Banner: Alejandra Arias Sevilla, Untitled, 2024. Cotton and linen blow out on abaca. , 2024. 22" x 30".

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Alejandra Arias Sevilla (Mexico City, Mexico) is a visual artist and collaborator based in Brooklyn, NY. Arias Sevilla received a BFA in Intermedia from Pacific Northwest College of Art. She was awarded the Undergrowth Educational Print Fund at Mullowney Printing in 2021 and became the Lead Printer from 2021-2023. She is the 2024 Marabeth Cohen-Tyler Print/Paper Fellow at Dieu Donné, and has completed residencies in Stelo Camp Colton and In Cahoots. Her work has been featured in the Oregon Library Association Quarterly, and can be found in the Albert Solheim Special Collection. She has led printmaking workshops in Black Whole Press, Independent Print Resource Center, Mullowney Printing, and PNCA.

https://alejandraariassevilla.com

Above: Alejandra Arias Sevilla, Untitled, 2024. Cotton blow out on abaca. 30" x 22".

About Dieu Donné

Dieu Donné is the leading non-profit cultural institution dedicated to serving emerging and established artists through the collaborative creation of contemporary art using the process of hand papermaking.

Since 1976, Dieu Donné has introduced artists to the untapped potential of hand papermaking as an art medium through residencies, fellowships, exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, and publications. Through extensive collaborations with Master Papermakers, Dieu Donné works with artists from a wide variety of practices to explore the creative possibilities in hand papermaking – fostering experimentation and producing innovative works of art. Dieu Donné strives to teach a new visual language, providing a transformative experience that leads to artistic breakthroughs.

How to Attend

This online event will take place on Monday, December 2 from1:00 - 2:00 PM ET. Attendees can access the live event through Eventbrite’s Online Event Page. (Please note that you will need to log into Eventbrite to access the talk.) The talk will last approximately 45 minutes, followed by questions. This program is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $5.00.

All Dieu Donné virtual events include the option of live automated captioning. A captioned recording of this event will be posted online following the event. If you have any questions or access requests, please contact our Grant & Education Manager, Hannah Katz, at [email protected].

This program is made possible in part with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and generous foundation and individual support.

Host or Publisher Dieu Donné