The beauty in everyone with Yiyo Partida

The painter shares why they are drawn to portraying the beauty in all.

Yiyo Partida is a Mexican-born painter who has been drawn to various art forms, most notably acrylic painting. We connected with Yiyo in advance of Pride In Art to learn more about how the importance of representation in their art.

Pride In Business: You've had a diverse artistic journey, from Mexican Folkloric Ballet to painting. How have these different forms of expression shaped your artistic identity?

Yiyo Partida: Being connected to art from a very early age helped me realize that art is a medium in which I can express my feelings and share something about myself with other people.

PIB: Could you elaborate on how your background in organizational communication and cultural studies informs your artistic process?

YP: When I graduated from the Master's Degree in Organizational Communication, I was working in a Family Care Center where we dealt with cases of depression in adolescents and children, often caused by being mocked by bullies who made fun of their physique for being people considered non-traditional. That is why in my art I try to represent diversity of bodies and faces because we are all beautiful.

PIB: Your paintings often celebrate non-traditional individuals. What draws you to portray these subjects, and what messages or narratives do you aim to convey through your art?

YP: That all people are beautiful, not just those who comply with the beauty standards imposed by society.

PIB: You mentioned that painting became a form of therapy for you during the pandemic. How did this transition from performing arts to visual arts impact your creative outlook?

YP: Before the pandemic I imagined ideas about paintings and sculptures but I thought I couldn't do it because I didn't feel capable because I thought I was just a performing artist. During the pandemic, when the theaters closed and I could no longer work, I decided to lose my fear of painting and I realized that artists can explore various areas of art and not just stay in one forever.

PIB: Your art is inspired by Mexican stained glass windows. How do you infuse this cultural heritage into your contemporary pieces, and what significance do these elements hold for you personally?

YP: Mexico is one of the most Catholic countries in the world, my inspiration is the stained-glass windows of the churches that are present in all the cities of my country, I remove religious things but sometimes I keep the shapes and other times just the colors of these stained glass windows that I watched as a child every week they forced me to go to church.

PIB: Acrylic seems to be your preferred medium. What specific qualities of this medium attract you, and how does it contribute to the vibrancy of your artwork?

YP: I like to work with acrylic because it doesn't limit me to just painting on canvas, I can paint furniture, walls and anything I consider in which I can capture my art. I can use more vibrant colors and even glow in the dark and that is very consistent with the type of art that I make.

PIB: Social media has played a significant role in promoting your art. How do you navigate the digital landscape to connect with your audience, and what opportunities and challenges have arisen from this?

YP: The opportunities they give me can show my art more through social networks and not just to the people who go directly to my exhibitions. The challenge for me is to give the importance that social networks deserve as a means to advertise my work because many times it is difficult for me to give it more time.

PIB: As an emerging artist, what goals do you have for the future of your art career? Are there any specific projects or collaborations you're particularly excited about?

YP: There are some group exhibitions and other solo exhibitions that have me very excited since they will not only be in Calgary, they will be in some cities in different parts of Canada, the first of them already happened this year in British Columbia.

PIB: Finally, could you share a bit about your creative process? From conceptualization to execution, how do you approach bringing your ideas to life on canvas or other mediums?

YP: My creative process is quite simple, most of the time I don't think about what I should paint, the idea often comes to me suddenly, I try to paint it as soon as possible and let it be the idea that takes me towards what I want. I'll do it with acrylic and my brushes. I feel like I'm a child again playing at being an artist.

To experience Michael’s work and the work of other featured artists, get your tickets for the Pride In Art event on May 24, 2024, here.

If you want to see more of Michael’s work or to get in touch with her:
Instagram: Yiyo Partida (@yiyoph) • Instagram photos and videos

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

**Ash Brar**
*PIB — Manager, Marketing Sponsorship*

Pride In Business article in partnership with TD.
By Ash Brar

The beauty in everyone with Yiyo Partida

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