Artist Profile: Rodrigo Carapia

Rodrigo Carapia is a self-taught artist who originates from Mexico City, Mexico. Carapia has lived and worked in Madison for 15 years. He first began with street art, which allowed him to experiment with his art on bigger scales. When he moved to Wisconsin in 2008, he started to perfect his craft on canvas and paper. Once his brush touches the canvas, the work he portrays becomes an epitome of his rich Mexa culture. As an artist and activist, Carapia uses his work as a form of self-expression and resistance by offering art workshops in schools, juvenile shelters and juvenile correctional centers, giving the youth a form of expression and a sense of freedom. His work has been donated to grassroots organizations that help the undocumented community as well as workers’ unions. His public art can be spotted around the state in murals, restaurants and shows.

1) What has most influenced your artistic process thus far?

My biggest influence in my art is the richness of my Mexican culture and traditions that I grew up with and continue to surround myself with. For example, I celebrate Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and there is imagery of this tradition that often shows up in my work.

2) Is there a specific type of art you have created yet, but are interested in exploring?

Tattooing is a type of art that has always interested me, but I haven't yet. In addition, watercolors is also a form of art that I would like to explore.

3) Describe your dream exhibition.

My dream exhibition would be a solo show for my community to enjoy and to feel represented. The art would be incredibly colorful and diverse in style. On opening night, there would be music for people to listen and dance to.

4) Share 2 to 3 exhibitions, concerts and/or events you would like to check out in the coming months.

The first is the annual Art Fair on the Square this summer that I always attend. In addition, I am looking forward to all the music that the summer brings to Madison like the shows at Memorial Terrace, Concerts on the Square and Live on King St.

Carapia’s work has also been recognized by several publications and news channels including The Cap Times, Madison 365, Isthmus, Telemundo Wisconsin, La Comunidad News and the Wisconsin State Journal. In 2021, Tone Madison highlighted Carapia in the documentary short Jaguar.

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