Jose Arenas

New York-based artist Jose Arenas creates works that explore dual identities, personal ritual, migration, and the displaced feeling that occurs from growing up in two countries. Born in San Jose, CA, the artist spent much of his childhood traveling between Northern California and Guadalajara, Mexico. His experiences navigating two worlds along with its complex process of integration and assimilation has informed his work in a variety of ways. Arenas combines decorative patterns, culturally assigned symbols, and familiar forms that become loosely narrative and remain open to interpretation. Arenas received a BFA in Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute (1995), and an MFA from UC Davis (2000). His work has been exhibited throughout the United States; Cities include San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and New York City. Recent solo and group exhibitions include Yace Gallery, New York, NY(2012), Nancy Margolis, New York, NY(2012), Fountain Fair New York, NY(2013) and Miami(2012), TNC Gallery, New York, NY(2012), Love and Luxe, San Francisco, CA (2012).