About

Vanessa Rivera is a visual artist from Los Angeles, CA who weaves together the realms of painting, sculpture, and photography in her creative pursuits. Her artistic journey unfolds as an exploration of human existence, delving into themes such as love, self-discovery, ancestral lineage, and spirituality.

Rivera's artistic endeavors serve as a profound means of connection, bridging the gap between her inner self and the world that surrounds her. Within her paintings, she orchestrates the graceful poses of the female form to craft compelling narratives, harmoniously merging them with ethereal backgrounds that evoke a sense of transcendence.

A hallmark of Rivera's work is her use of the halo, a motif that takes center stage in her artistry. Through this emblematic symbol, she communicates the inherent divinity residing within each individual's humanity. Rivera underscores that this divine essence transcends the boundaries of religion, race, social standing, or any other categorization—it is a universal truth that simply exists. As her artistic journey has evolved over time, so too has her representation of the halo. This evolution melds her Christian upbringing with the spiritual practices deeply rooted in her indigenous heritage, blending traditional Christian halos with tribal patterns.

Currently, Rivera focuses on questions of ancestral lineage and the traditions that have been lost to history, preceding colonialism. How did our ancestors navigate the complexities of life, and what legacies, both traumatic and enlightening, have they passed down?

Rivera graduated from USC Roski School of Fine Arts with a BFA. She has worked with galleries throughout Los Angeles and has found resonance with renowned brands and institutions, including Destination Crenshaw, Adidas, and Harvard University. Through her artistry, Vanessa Rivera invites us all to explore the profound, to transcend boundaries, and to embrace the shared divinity within our humanity.