About Me
Yen Ospina is a Colombian-American self-taught artist who blends traditional and digital mediums to create works rich in storytelling and cultural resonance. Drawing inspiration from folklore, etching, and lithographs, Yen's digital pieces offer a unique twist—each one layered with narratives that inspire her. Her signature style incorporates saturated earth tones, making her work instantly recognizable and deeply rooted in a vibrant cultural identity.
In her traditional abstract paintings, Yen shifts focus inward, using the medium to express personal emotions and introspection, contrasting the storytelling nature of her digital work. This duality allows her to explore both the external world of culture and mythology and the internal world of emotion and self-reflection.
In addition to her studio work, Yen is an accomplished muralist, having painted over seven murals throughout the Ithaca area. Beyond her artistic practice, Yen is dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices. Through her nomadic Orozco Gallery, she curates exhibitions that center BIPOC artists, providing a platform for emerging talent. As the newly appointed president of the Latino Civic Association, Yen is passionate about creating community events that support and celebrate the Hispanic/Latine community in Tompkins County.
Yen's artistic journey began in 2013 with traditional painting, and by 2020 she had taught herself digital art. In January 2022, Yen made the bold leap to become a full-time artist, fully embracing the life of creative exploration, community-building, and cultural storytelling.
Press
- Wikipedia page
- 2025 “We Are La Voz” Collaboration w/ Cornell University
- 2024 WENY News Resilience through Art & Community
- 2024 "Spring Into Art" Curation
- 2024 All Things Equal Interview
- 2024 LCA Building Community
- 2024 Surrealismo De Ensuenos @ Mix Gallery in WHATS HOT Magazine
- 2023 Hispanic & Latino Exhibition Curator
- Founder & Event Coordinator of Ithaca's Latinx Heritage Fiesta
- 2023 "Fluida Vida" Painting Series
- Founder of Latinx Heritage Annual Fiesta
- Self Made Artist : Yen Ospina
- 2022 Best Of Ithaca “Yen Ospina : Visual Artist”
- 2021 Best Of Ithaca "Yen Ospina : Visual Artist"
- 2020 Women In Business
- 2020 Vote Mural Ithaca Journal
- WENY NEWS : Holiday Market - Yen Ospina
- 2019 History Center Interview
Awards
- Community Arts Catalyst Award, Community Arts Partnership, 2024
- Best Visual Artist Award, Ithaca Times, 2021, 2022, 2024
Where you can find my work
- Artist Trail
- Handwork Coop
- Mimi's Attic
- Willow Floral Studios
- Memorial Art Gallery
- Little Button Craft
- Figgy Shop
- Papavero Clay Studios