Monica Perez Vega

Visual artist Monica Perez Vega, born in 1981 in Sacramento, United States, is known for her sculptures and paintings that explore themes of disruption, renewal and reformation. Originally from California, this well-travelled artist has lived in Montreal, Amsterdam, London and currently resides in Birmingham, UK. Her experiences of continually starting over have led to a process that investigates cycles of change and ideas around uncertainty and adaptation.

Style & Approach

With a material-led approach, Monica embraces accidental moments or encounters during the creative process. She actively searches for a catalyst for change or evolution, embracing the transformative and unpredictable nature of the elements with which she works. In this way, all her materials are more than just materials; they are potential collaborators in the outcome of her projects. Abstract sculptures such as the titular Unfurl and expressionistic paintings like With Grace look as if they are on the verge of either renewal or collapse.

Monica Perez Vega’s Early Career & Exhibitions

Monica has an MFA from the Slade School of Fine Art and a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the California College of the Arts. In 2016, she co-founded Hiraeth Magazine and Podcast. In 2020, she founded Small Works Art Gallery, an artist-led initiative and platform selling small works by emerging and established artists based in and around the UK. Recent exhibitions include the ArtWorks Open 2020 at Barbican Arts Group Trust, London, RBSA Prize Exhibition 2020, Birmingham and The Collector's Eye 2020 at LEMA Mobili, London, 2020.