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English: Roberto Torres Mata, a native of Huntington Beach, California, is a multidisciplinary artist whose work delves into the profound issues surrounding migration in the Americas and beyond. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and pursued further studies, obtaining his Master's degree from the University of Madison-Wisconsin.

Torres Mata's impactful artworks have garnered rhttps://www.robertotorresmata.com/ecognition and have been showcased in prestigious institutions, including exhibitions at the Metropolitan Art Museum, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Chazen Art Museum, and Antigua Academia De San Carlos. His compelling artistic expressions have resonated with diverse audiences, leading to the acquisition of his pieces by universities, museums, and private collectors.

Throughout his academic journey, Torres Mata has received notable accolades, including the Graduate Research Scholars award and the esteemed Chazen Prize. Currently, he proudly holds the Laguna Arts Prize, an honor that affords him the opportunity to exhibit his work at the Arsenale in Venice, Italy.

Statement

Migration is an integral part of human history as a method of recording our past as that informs us about our present. I look at human migration from Latin America and abroad through movement while creating and documenting the rapid rise of displacement of people in countries and small communities. I aim to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of migration, exploring its various dimensions, challenges, and the human stories that often remain untold. Printmaking, with its rich history and diverse techniques, allows me to convey the intricate layers of migration experiences.

I employ multiple methods such as Lithography, relief, etching, and screenprinting to create visually compelling narratives. The use of layering and textures in printmaking is a metaphor for the intricate layers of migration, encompassing cultural, emotional, and social aspects. The layers of colors bring a sense of direction through repetitive patterns and textures.

Expanding beyond printmaking, I explore installation, textiles, and mixed media to convey a tactile and visceral quality, enhancing the emotional impact of the narratives I seek to express. By combining various materials such as found objects, fabrics, and textual elements, I aim to create a sensory experience that resonates with the audience on a deeper level. This tactile quality invites viewers to see but also to feel the weight of migration experiences, fostering a deeper connection to the subjects and themes explored.

Migration is approached with sensitivity and empathy, highlighting the resilience and strength of individuals navigating the complexities of displacement. My work speaks on the physicality in describing people that are central to my artistic vision and focuses on Latin America, a region marked by diverse migration patterns, historical complexities, and socio-economic challenges. Through my art, I aim to amplify the voices and stories of those affected, shedding light on the realities individuals and communities face. Simultaneously, I engage with global migration issues, recognizing the universality of the human experience of seeking refuge, opportunity, and

a better life.