Meet Mariana Noreña G | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariana Noreña G and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Choosing art as my career was one of the biggest risks I have taken. Studying art carries a considerable burden of uncertainty, discipline, and perseverance. On many occasions I have doubted this decision, but, romantically, I believe it has been one of the most successful risks I have taken. Thanks to this, I have been able to dedicate myself to what I really like.

It has not been an easy path. Art does not offer a pre-established path or a formula to follow; each artist decides their own path and builds it as they go along. In this sense, risk-taking has been and continues to be, a fundamental part of my career as I continue to pursue my career. From using new materials and techniques to researching concepts that interest me, even without knowing if they will resonate with others. risk is present at every stage of my creative process.

Adapting to new contexts, networking, and positioning myself as an artist in a world that also involves constantly taking risks. Having your own voice, which invites those who see your work to reflect, requires a certain courage and persistence to find what finally clicks with you and your practice. I firmly believe that it is by stepping out of one’s comfort zone and taking risks that the greatest growth occurs, both personally and professionally.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I grew up surrounded by nature in the Andes Mountains, my feet muddy in the damp earth, my hands picking plants that had fallen on the ground. This environment helped me to develop an appreciation for nature and a curiosity for materiality.

My practice explores through research and conversations: ecology, history and mythology: places, landscapes, and natural phenomena through earth matter and materiality that speak of past, present, and intimate stories. I create sculpture-based installations that expose these stories by creating an echo of time, observation, research, and the relationship between humans and place. It is a practice about gestures, details, contemplation, time, delve, materiality, self-reflection, and daily life, while often in conversation with natural phenomena and places.

My work results form an exploration of materiality and formalist composition, fostered by attunement to my senses and close attention to the things that surround me. In this process, it is intertwined with research and answers the questions that arise in trying to understand the place where I find myself.

Professionally, this journey has been deeply personal, filled with moments of both difficulty and reward. The challenges have pushed me to grow, and the gratifying moments have reaffirmed that I am on the right path. The lessons I’ve learned along the way have taught me the importance of patience, persistence, and self-reflection.

What I want the world to know about my art and story is that it’s a constant dialogue with the world—an evolving narrative shaped by the natural elements, human history, and the spaces we occupy. It’s about paying attention to the smallest details and creating work that encourages contemplation and connection.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I really enjoy finding corners that are not usually in the tourist guides, places that few people frequent. I like to walk aimlessly, and look for details of the city along the way that tell me stories. There is something special about walking down an empty street, finding a garden or sitting by the lake. These ways allow me to experience the city in a more intimate way.
I like to find corners that not many people like to inhabit. Being close to the lake and nature, taking the time to observe and be.
I like to enjoy the local gastronomy. I prefer small cozy restaurants and cafes. I love to sit in a cozy place, while enjoying a conversation or just watching people pass by.
I prefer to live the city looking for those moments of intimate connection with its history, its culture and its people, living the essence of that place.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I believe I owe much of my success to the community and friends I have made throughout my career. Art is a clear example of a profession in which growth is built hand in hand with those around you. For me, having a community that is interested in my development, that supports me not only with its presence, but also by accompanying me in difficult decisions and giving me feedback, has been essential.

This community is not only made up of artist friends, but also curators, teachers, mentors and other artists whom I deeply admire. They have all brought different perspectives and knowledge, helping me to refine my vision and my work. Their support, constructive criticism and constant encouragement have been fundamental pillars in my personal and artistic evolution.

In addition, during my research and creative processes, listening to voices outside the art world has been equally valuable. Talking to people from other fields, listening to their ideas, experiences and approaches, has helped me to enrich my perspective and integrate new ways of thinking into my work. These outside influences have shown me that art is not only nourished by art itself, but also by everything that surrounds it.

Art can be a lonely road at many times, but surrounding yourself with people who share your passion and push you forward makes all the difference. They deserve much of the credit in my story, because they have been there, sometimes at the most crucial moments, helping me to see beyond the immediate and encouraging me to keep growing.

Website: https://mariananoreng.com

Instagram: @mariana.norena.g

Image Credits
First photo (Personal Photo) : Kat Bawden

Additional Photos:
1. Maria Burundarena
2. jonas mikosch müller-ahlheim
3. jonas mikosch müller-ahlheim
4. jonas mikosch müller-ahlheim
5. Me
6. me