The Liu Shiming Art Foundation is thrilled to announce Valeria Sanchez as the recipient of the 2024 Liu Shiming Scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin. This recognition is awarded to Valeria for her unique artistic voice and her dedication to exploring the cultural identity and contemporary art. Born in Houston, Texas, to Mexican immigrants, Valeria's art journey began at a young age, cultivating a diverse skill set across various mediums, including video art, oil painting, and digital artistry.
Valeria Sanchez. Courtesy the recipient
Valeria's academic pursuits at the University of Texas at Austin, where she is working towards her Bachelor of Fine Arts, underscore her commitment to her craft and her exploratory approach to art. Her recognition by the Liu Shiming Art Foundation celebrates not only her academic excellence, graduating Magna Cum Laude and within the top 1% of her class but also her innovative contributions to the art world through exhibitions like “Cyborgspace” at the Museum of Human Achievement.
The scholarship highlights Valeria's dedication to creating art that speaks to a fantasy-like narrative, often exploring themes of cultural heritage and identity. Her recent projects, including a captivating series depicting collectible animal figurines known as “Calico Critters” or “Sylvanian Families,” reflect her playful yet profound approach to visual storytelling. Valeria’s work is a testament to her belief in the power of art to express sentiments, enthusiasm, and personal narratives.
She views the Liu Shiming Scholarship as both a financial and motivational boost to her burgeoning career, allowing her to further her studio and personal projects. The scholarship’s support enables her to continue her exploration of various artistic mediums, contributing significantly to her growth as an artist.
Valeria's artistic style, characterized by its innovative fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary influences, resonates with the legacy of Liu Shiming. She admires Shiming’s ability to convey deeper messages through symbolism and medium, seeing parallels in their approach to embedding cultural narratives within their work. Shiming’s influence is evident in Valeria's commitment to capturing her Mexican American culture in her future works, a testament to the transformative power of art in expressing complex identities.
The Liu Shiming Art Foundation is honored to support Valeria Sanchez in her artistic endeavors, confident that her unique perspective and innovative approach will contribute significantly to the contemporary art landscape. The scholarship not only underscores her talent and dedication but also embodies the foundation's commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists who, like Liu Shiming, seek to push the boundaries of artistic expression.
Reflect. 2022. Medium: digital work. Courtesy the artist
Written by Chirui Cheng
Photo credits to:Valeria Sanchez