RTS is excited to host Real Talks with resident artist Jose Iniguez and RTS member Kico Le Strange Wednesday, May 29th from 6-8pm PST at RTS located at 125 10th St. Oakland.
Jose Luis Iniguez Lopez is a Central Valley artist based in Oakland, California, whose artistic journey is marked by the insightful exploration of identity and belonging. Graduating in 2014 with a Master of Fine Arts from the California College of the Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with a concentration in ceramics from California State University Bakersfield. His artist repertoire extends beyond traditional ceramics, embracing an interdisciplinary approach that melds various mediums to narrate themes of queerness, mysticism, displacement, and pop culture. Jose’s work transcends conventional boundaries, incorporating tactile procedures and recycled sentiments to retell stories that resonate deeply with both himself and his community. His exploration of disoriented heritage through forced adaptation reflects a poignant introspection into the complexities of identity and belonging.
Jose’s experience as an artist is punctuated by notable achievements and residencies that have further enriched his practice. From receiving the merit award from 2012 to 2014 from CCA to participating in residencies like the Red Brick Cooperative Studio in San Francisco and the Sedona Summer Colony in Sedona, Arizona. These residencies have served as incubators for creativity, allowing Jose to delve deeper into his artistic process and engage in meaningful dialogues with fellow artists. They have provided him with invaluable opportunities to experiment with new techniques and collaborate across disciplines, ultimately shaping the trajectory of his artistic career.
In addition to his residencies, Jose has exhibited his work in venerated art institutions such as SOMArts Cultural Center, San Francisco LGBT community Center, UC Berkeley, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the Mexican Consulate of San Francisco, among others. These exhibitions not only showcase his artistic prowess but also highlight his commitment to engaging with diverse audiences and communities.
As Jose continues to push his boundaries of artistic expression, he hopes to transcend limits and foster connections with a fusion of mediums and themes that not only challenge societal norms but also invite viewers to contemplate the intricacies of the human experience.
Kico Le Strange is a dancer, performer, visual artist, fashion designer, art educator and studio manager. Le strange lives and works in Oakland Ca. Kico was born and raised in South Tejas.
Kico attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville and received his BFA in 2012. Le Strange attended California College of the Arts & Crafts and obtained his MFA in 2015.