CV

Yen Ospina
Visual Artist | Curator | Activist
Full-Time Traditional and Digital Artist

About Me

I am a Colombian-American artist and curator based in Upstate NY. My work explores themes of identity, culture, and surrealism, blending vibrant storytelling with a commitment to community. As a self-taught artist, I transitioned to full-time artistry in 2022, and since then, I've curated BIPOC exhibitions, founded Ithaca's Annual Heritage Fiesta, and collaborated with organizations such as Gap and Ithaca Hummus. Through my art and activism, I aim to empower marginalized voices and spark meaningful connections.

Awards and Recognition

  • Community Arts Catalyst Award, Community Arts Partnership, 2024
  • Best Visual Artist Award, Ithaca Times, 2021, 2022, 2024

Collaborations with Companies

  • Limited-Edition "Fantasmas y Libros" T-Shirts, Collaboration with Buffalo Street Books, October 2024
  • Collaboration with Greenstar, 2022 — Artwork for totes, shirts, and mugs
  • Collaboration with Gap, 2021-2022 — Artwork sold on shirts
  • Commissioned by Ithaca Hummus, 2021 — "Get Out the Vote" mural

Notable Projects and Initiatives

  • Panelist, WOMEN’S FUND ANNUAL LUNCHEON AND CELEBRATION, Community Foundation, November 2024
  • Creative Symposium, Invited by Tioga Arts Council to speak on Art, Activism, and Community, November 2024
  • Interviewed by W.E.N.Y. News, October 2024 — "National Hispanic Heritage Month: Resilience through Art and Community"
  • Guest Speaker, Cornell University, Latinx Studies Course, October 2024
  • Launched Nomadic Orozco Gallery, January 2024
  • Organizer, Porchfest Makers Market, September 2023 - Present
  • Activist Speaker, March 2023 - Present — Spoke at Ithaca High School about the transformative power of art in driving positive change
  • Founder & Event Producer/Coordinator, Ithaca's Latine/Hispanic Heritage Fiesta, October 2022 - Present

Selected Exhibitions

2024

  • "Showcasing Hispanic/Latine Artists", Curator & Group Exhibit, Community School of Music & Arts, NY
  • "Present Conversations II", Curator & Group Exhibit, CAP ArtSpace, NY
  • “Surrealismo De Ensueños”, Solo Exhibit, Mix Art Gallery, NY
  • “Drop by Drop”, Group Exhibit, Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, NY
  • "Spring Into Art", Curator & Group Exhibit, Hair Color Art, NY

2023

  • “We Are Made of Star Stuff”, Solo Exhibit, The Rockwell Museum, NY
  • “Hispanic & Latine Artists”, Curator & Group Exhibit, Community School of Music & Arts Gallery, NY
  • "Present Conversations I", Curator & Group Exhibit, CAP ArtSpace, NY
  • “Fluida Vida”, Solo Exhibit, Community Arts Partnership Gallery, NY (Virtual Exhibit)
  • “68th Rochester Finger Lakes Juried Exhibition”, Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY
  • “Saturation”, Solo Exhibit, August Moon Spa, NY

2022

  • Yen Ospina Solo Exhibit, The Downstairs, NY
  • “Semillas Al Viento”, Group Exhibit, Community School of Music & Arts Gallery, NY
  • “Essence”, Group Exhibit, Cherry Artspace, NY
  • “Joyeria y Arte”, Tioga Arts Council Gallery, NY

2021

  • Yen Ospina Solo Exhibit, Hector Handmade, NY
  • “Between Starshine & Clay”, Group Exhibit, Tioga Arts Council, NY
  • “15 Feet”, Group Exhibit, State of The Art Gallery, NY
  • “Warmth & Hues”, Solo Exhibit, Community Arts Partnership Gallery, NY

2020

  • “Art Of The Quarantine”, Virtual Exhibit, THE Q Gallery