Cora Jean Quiroz

I paint women in a way that removes them from being acquiescent muses in typical artworks. From action, body language, and clothing, to expression, I ensure the women I paint have active roles of inspiration, movement, and storytelling. Raised by my mother, I learned about my family's history through oral tradition. Rather than being inspired by male-dominated stories in media, I became inspired by the women of my family, taking spaces where they were not expected. The simplest acts typical for a man to perform, can often be taboo for women, such as working in the car industry. Despite this, for many years there have been women who have gone against the grain to become whoever they please to be. These are the stories that inspire my work.

 My paintings are rooted in Western portrait conventions and techniques. Still, my subjects are Chicanas and Indigenous women throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, to tell the stories of sexuality, identity, and feminism throughout time; which is the stark opposite of the history of Western portraiture. In my work, I often make references to culture through traditional dress, jewelry, and tattoos. For this reason, anyone can picture themselves in that car shop, looking in the mirror in a bar bathroom, or all alone and thinking of themselves or their family members and seeing a strong woman. There are not yet enough stories of Indigenous or Hispanic women making their way through typically male industries, but our families all know women who have. I want my work to spark reflection and inspiration in women, and to become an invitation in gallery spaces for women to share their stories of triumphs, and aspirations, and to carry on the oral traditions of our families. 

Awards and Residencies

Namingha Artist Residency, 2022
Special Talent Award, 2021-2022
Design and Arts Corps Fellowship, 2022

Education

Arizona State University, BFA, 2022
Bridges out of Poverty Training, 2019
Monroe County Community College, Associate, 2019

Mural Apprenticeship with Ken Dushane, 2019
Young Artists At Work Apprenticeship, 2017

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