Chelsea A. Benally
Born in 1992 in Crystal, New Mexico, Chelsea Benally earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with an emphasis in photography and painting. Their work explores identity, resilience, and the evolving roles of women in contemporary culture, blending traditional and modern artistic techniques. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Benally maintains a dedicated studio practice while also serving as assistant director at Gallery Hózhó in Hotel Chaco, where they help foster a vibrant community of artists and cultural dialogue.
Artist Statement:
I am inspired by everyday life experiences to express my portraits. I express their individual values and uniqueness by applying both photography and painting. Photographing a person is a very personal experience for the sitter, requiring that they are are vulnerable and exposed. Whilst photographing them, you begin to establish a relation and perception of and with that person(s). Within the elements of painting, I use color, texture, and brush techniques to communicate both realistic and abstractly a wide range of emotions.
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