Sofia Maldonado was born in Puerto Rico (1984). As an artist, she admires her country’s rural landscapes, along with the chaos of the city and the abandoned structures within them. During her undergraduate studies she painted numerous murals, with or without permission in abandoned buildings, barrios and indoor spaces as a way to bring beauty to this sites. By creating her own visual language with bright colors and flowing brush strokes that simulate nature, she received recognition as a mural painter in her country. Sofia’s artwork is a blend of fashion trends, the Latina female aesthetic and various street culture elements, such as skateboarding, graffiti, public art, reggaeton and punk music.

source: brooklynartscouncil.org

TEDx Youth@Santurce November 16th, 2013

Theme: “Pura Flama”

Produced to empower and inspire youth from our communities

The 42nd Street Project mural is not meant to represent all Latina and Black women, because we are very diverse. It is a compilation of memories and experiences I have had through my mural paintings in New York, Puerto Rico and Hartford, Connecticut (in my Real Art Ways public art project). This mural speaks to those who feel identified with it. I sincerely apologize to those who are offended. However, I have been working with this female imagery for about 10 years.

This is the first time it has caused debate. The reactions, the controversy and the dialogues that the mural has sparked have been motivating. It has made us all reflect, discuss, and has opened a space where everyone can come to his or her own conclusions. As an art piece it has accomplished its purpose: establish a dialogue between its spectators.

— Sofia Maldonado

Sofia Maldonado / MHL Custom

sofiamaldonado.com

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