MINGA OPAZO

Born in Chile, 1992

Lives and works in Ojai, California

In the context of the “Plasticene” Epoch, also known as the Anthropocene, a geologic period defined by humanity’s ever-increasing creation, use, and discarding of plastics on a world-changing scale, Minga Opazo approaches clothing and textiles as a necessity, an aspect of cultural heritage, and a toxic commodity.

While clothing has been crucial to human survival, paradoxically the Plasticene has transformed ancient textile traditions into toxic commodities that threaten the future of life. Each year textile production accounts for approximately 15% of global plastic waste and 10% of CO2 emissions.

The largest textile waste producer, North America, discards 34 billion pounds of used textiles annually (around 100lbs per person); much of it shipped internationally for developing countries to deal with. Notably, as a result of trade agreements made by Chile’s US-backed President Pinochet in the 1970s, Chile receives around 60,000 tons of discarded textiles per year, with at least 39,000 tons of non-biodegradable clothing being dumped in the Atacama desert.

A fourth-generation textile crafter, Minga Opazo received her BFA from the University of California, Berkeley (2016) and her MFA from the California Institute of the Arts (2020).

Opazo has exhibited works across the US and Latin America, including at the Museum of Visual Art of Santiago, Chile; ACRE Gallery, Chicago; and MAK Center for Art and Architecture, Los Angeles. She has completed residencies at, among others the Banff, Anderson Ranch, MASS MoCA, and Bemis Art Centers.

Visit the artist’s website: www.mingaopazo.com