Victoria Ruiz is a Venezuelan multidisciplinary artist, a graduate of Central Saint Martins (2022), whose work spans photography, sculptural garments, and live performance. Her art delves into themes of identity, cultural resistance, and the interplay between spirituality and nature, often engaging with Afro-diasporic spirituality and her Latin American heritage. Through the crafting of wearable sculptures and her distinct approach to photography, Ruiz constructs powerful imagery that revisits her childhood and cultural narratives, giving voice to marginalized communities and challenging socio-political norms.
Her artistic vision is rooted in activism, driven by a desire to subvert and transform traditional narratives through a carnivalesque lens. This approach allows her to explore the fluidity of identity, celebrating the resilience and vibrancy of her community while addressing pressing cultural and environmental issues. Her recent work reflects a deep interest in spirituality and the natural world, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the divine forces present in nature.
Ruiz's innovative approach to photography has garnered significant recognition, leading to awards like the Winner of Numéro+ Switzerland First Photography Contest and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 2024 International Photography Competition. She has exhibited widely, including a recent exhibition at Tropigalpão in Rio de Janeiro, the PhotoVogue Festival Global Open Call: The Next Great Fashion Image Makers Exhibition in Milan in November 2022, and the Fresh Eyes Talent 2024 Haute Photographie exhibition in Amsterdam. Ruiz has also been a finalist in notable competitions such as The Independent Photographer The Color Photography Award and the Free Theme Vienna International Photo Award.
By blending these elements, Ruiz invites audiences to reflect on their own identities, fostering empathy and understanding through her art. Her current investigations highlight the richness of cultural identities and create space for dialogue around the complexities of the human experience, spirituality, and environmental sensitivity.