Natalia María Centeno López
Natalia María Centeno López’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the interplay between memory, community, and the natural environment. Growing up in an environment where art and culture were appreciated, she was encouraged to explore artistic disciplines from a young age. However, it was during her adolescence that she recognized her artistic abilities as more than a passion, but a professional calling. A pivotal moment occurred during a school trip to a museum in Puerto Rico, where an artwork’s vibrant colors evoked a profound emotional response, marking the beginning of her deep engagement with art. Later, through community workshops, she witnessed firsthand how art could strengthen collective identity and transform physical and social landscapes, reinforcing her commitment to socially engaged artistic practice.
Centeno López holds a Master’s degree in Visual Arts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Art History from the University of Puerto Rico and Painting from the Puerto Rico School of Plastic Arts and Design. Her formal education provided her with a solid foundation in visual language, research methodologies, and a nuanced understanding of artistic narratives within Latin America and the Caribbean. These experiences have significantly shaped her approach, allowing her to integrate theoretical exploration with artistic expression.
Her work is multidisciplinary, primarily focused on painting and installation, often addressing the transformation of landscapes through historical memory and community interaction. She is especially interested in the impact of urban and industrial development on the natural world and uses her art as a means to question and understand this evolving relationship. Her influences range from Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire, which informs her participatory art projects, to ecofeminist thought, which has shaped her perspectives on art, nature, and power structures. Visually, she draws inspiration from Impressionist color palettes, particularly in their exploration of light and atmosphere.
Centeno López’s creative process is research-driven, often beginning with an in-depth study of the landscapes she seeks to represent. This involves observing, documenting, and engaging with community narratives embedded in these spaces. She finds inspiration in both biographical environments and ecologically significant sites, integrating their histories and transformations into her paintings and installations. When faced with creative blocks, she turns to reading, material experimentation, and reconnecting with nature to renew her perspective.
The overarching message of her work is to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of humans and the natural environment. She hopes her art encourages viewers to reflect on their role in shaping landscapes and the ecological impact of human activity. For her, success is not measured commercially but by the impact her work generates within individuals and society. She aspires to continue developing participatory art projects that contribute to ecological and cultural preservation.
Personal experiences play a significant role in her artistic practice. Her travels, daily interactions, and engagement with diverse communities continuously inform and enrich her work. To maintain balance between creative work and other responsibilities, she structures her time with both discipline and flexibility while drawing inspiration from reading and nature.
Centeno López is open to collaborations, particularly interdisciplinary projects that involve community participation and environmental consciousness. Looking ahead, she is developing a new series of paintings that expand on her concept of social ecology, continuing to explore the intersection of art, memory, and environmental awareness.
