Liu Shiming Art Foundation is proud to announce Gracianna Rothering as the recipient of the Liu Shiming Scholarship, recognizing her exceptional talent and dedication to the art world. Growing up in Cochrane, Wisconsin, with roots in Bogotá, Colombia, Gracianna has established herself as a promising young artist with a profound narrative.
Gracianna Rothering. Courtesy the artist
Gracianna's academic voyage commenced at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts. Her aspiration for a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Oregon was motivated by the institution's celebrated studio spaces, darkroom facilities, and the diverse and talented faculty. The offer of a graduate employee position solidified her dedication, enabling full immersion in her artistic pursuits.
During her academic journey, Gracianna has been recognized with several scholarships, highlighting her artistic promise and potential for impactful contributions to the art community. These honors include the David McCosh Memorial Scholarship in Fine Arts, the Jan Zach Memorial Scholarship in Fine Arts, and the Liu Shiming Foundation Scholarship in 2023.
Gracianna's unique perspective as a person of color and her commitment to storytelling set her apart. She is driven by a desire to showcase the importance of her voice and the stories of those around her. This dedication is evident in her work and her approach to her studies at the University of Oregon. As she says in her artist statement:
“As a Latinx, Indigenous, and Black artist, my practice focuses on race, identity, and visibility. I investigate on how people of color are perceived in the United States and the stereotypes that follow them. The tension between the desire to be seen and the desire to remain hidden is a major factor in my work. As a woman of color, I feel obligated to push the conversations about visibility and taking up space but also see my own social conditioning and trained preference toward being hidden.”
Ongoing photo series “Fractured: Past, Present, Future” by Gracianna Rothering. Courtesy the artist.
As Gracianna states, her practice is deeply rooted in her Latinx, Indigenous, and Black heritage, focusing on visibility, race, and identity. She navigates the delicate balance between the desire to be seen and the instinct to remain concealed, pushing the boundaries of conversation around visibility and space occupation while acknowledging her own social conditioning.
Gracianna's experimentation with common materials like tin foil and physical photos has opened new avenues of inquiry into light, shadow, and space. Her work now oscillates between analog and digital realms, blending physical photos, digital photographs, and projections to create new perspectives and narratives. This innovative approach aims to challenge and expand the conventional understanding of photography and its potential to convey complex ideas and emotions.
The Liu Shiming Scholarship at the University of Oregon is a testament to Gracianna Rothering's evolving artistry and her commitment to exploring the intersections of materiality, identity, and representation. The scholarship not only supports her academic and creative endeavors but also promises a future where her unique voice and innovative approaches contribute significantly to contemporary art.
Written by Chirui Cheng
Photo credits to: Gracianna Rothering