Artist Statement

Manana Arena

"My relationship with the mark began in childhood, but my true artistic voice emerged at the age of forty. For me, painting is an exercise in poetic freedom—a reflection of a life lived through a spectrum of tragedy and joy.

My work is an exploration of visual tension. I am drawn to the interplay of forms: circles, lines, and visceral marks that may or may not connect, yet always seek a sense of balance. I approach the canvas physically and emotionally, utilizing a diverse toolkit of oils, charcoal, spray paint, and collage to build layers of history. This process is deeply informed by my interest in political narratives and historical contexts; I see the canvas as a site where personal memory meets the broader human experience. Each piece is a fragment of a soul in evolution, translated through the raw energy of a brushstroke."