Artist Profile: Neo Medina
Neo Medina is a practicing artist residing in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin. Neo specializes in creating spaces of inclusion while building equitable opportunities for his community to be involved in different layers of his work. This shows up in his subject matter as well as community participation in the creation of his murals. This practice stems from Neo's interest in the relationship of people and their environment. He explores how the environment we exist in molds our mindset. Neo's overlap of art and advocacy push back on the current status quo through color, movement and portraiture. This same push brings life and positive energy to Neo’s work by fueling his creativity to color our environment and shift perspectives. Neo believes that art can erase the lines we draw between ourselves, then begin to weave us together.
1) What are 2 -3 inspirations that have supported your artistic growth and process in the past several years?
I would say my biggest inspiration is the people around me that remind of all the work to be done. I feel an intrinsic responsibility to use my work and platform to show light and give voice to those that need it most. This shows up by representation of diverse community members as subject matter and ranges from race/ethnicity to socioeconomic status to gender to LGBTQ. I am inspired by those that continue to move through life despite barriers that are in our way and I want to uplift them. I love my community here in the Fox Valley. Although it can be difficult to challenge mindsets, I find healing energy and inspiration in the support I've had thus far. It encourages me to keep going and that I am on the right path.
2) Is there a genre or medium you haven't yet explored and would like to?
I really miss painting on canvas. I would love to to be able to get back into that, it's been years! One thing I really want to try with my murals is painting a double exposure portrait. It seems challenging, but also where I'd like to push my work into the more conceptual side of things.
3) What is your dream canvas?
I would love to be able to paint a 4+story wall or a wall outside of Wisconsin.
4) Is there a particular exhibition, concert, book, spoken word event and/or film you are looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to the “Made to Order” exhibition at the Trout Museum of Art which highlights a bunch of local artists through arranged commissions. Summer is crazy busy for a mural painter, but I would like to be able to read a book by the end of the year too. I'm also looking forward to framing up a podcast for 2024!