Rebeca Lopera
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Born in Madrid, Spain, Rebeca Lopera is a conceptual artist whose work delves into language, culture, and memory through diverse sculptural mediums. Graduating with a BFA from Madrid Complutense University in 2020 and an MFA from Florida International University in 2023, Lopera’s practice is deeply influenced by her cultural transition from Spain to the United States.
Her art incorporates materials like plaster, ceramics, and found objects, weaving themes of identity and nostalgia into layered, poignant pieces. Lopera’s commitment to education extends to her role as an adjunct professor at FIU, where she teaches three-dimensional media.
Recent exhibitions include "While We're Here" at the Frost Art Museum and "We Are the Places We Left Behind" at Miami Beach Visual Art Gallery.
rebecaloperaartist.com
What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to commit to this path?
I have an inherent need to create and bring into material reality the thoughts and feelings that this world evokes in me. I feel the necessity to communicate and transmit, using my art as a channel to reach viewers. My art is the deepest expression of myself. I commit to art because I commit to myself.
Could you share the story or concept behind your recent work?
"Untitled Manifesto" was created by writing the Spanish alphabet repeatedly on small pieces of glass to produce a massive pile of hundreds of shards, each with one letter. I found the glass in the studios where I work; everyone was waiting for them to be thrown out, but I saw something beautiful in them.
These glass shards represent how my mind works. As an immigrant, they reflect the complexity of bilingualism and how my brain continuously translates every word from Spanish to English. Language shapes our identity, creating belonging and integrating us into society.
The multiplicity of these delicate elements highlights fragility. My concern with words, self-expression, and the challenges of bilingualism are reflected in each broken piece. I wanted to present a work that could be anything, created even in its brokenness, offering endless possibilities.
What was the most challenging part of your path so far? How are you navigating this obstacle?
Balancing my art practice with the rest of my life has been the most challenging. Managing my time to balance art, financial stability, and personal responsibilities is a constant struggle. My art often demands my full attention, but I’ve learned resilience and adaptability without compromising my passion.
What role does experimentation and exploration play in your artistic practice?
Experimentation is integral to my practice. I use both traditional materials like wood and plaster and found objects from thrift stores, embracing the unexpected. My process involves exploring what surrounds me, resulting in unique works with their own histories.
Do you have any start or stop rituals before creating?
I’m spontaneous. My studio is a chaotic space of selection, accumulation, and experimentation. I work unconstrained, finding inspiration in unexpected moments, whether at home or in the studio.
What message do you hope your art conveys to the world?
I hope my art inspires introspection, sparking conversations and personal reflection. With works like "Untitled Manifesto," I aim to create connections between the viewer and the piece, encouraging them to question and explore their perspectives.
Share a mantra or favorite quote that keeps you going.
"We are never true historians, always a bit poets, and our emotion may only translate lost poetry."
— Gaston Bachelard, The Poetics of Space
