Leiminspace is proud to present “Combinas” a solo exhibition of mixed-media works by artist Katie Ruiz. In Combinas, Ruiz gleans from a variety of her own practices as a a painter, a weaver, and a soft-sculptor to explore the cultural intersections that she faces as a Mexican-American woman. Ruiz builds a vibrantly colored language by intermingling fine art media with more traditional folk art forms in order to express her own experience of duality as a person with roots in multiple spaces. Crocheted doilies, ribbons, and aprons are present throughout the exhibition, handmade relics left by Ruiz’s Abuelita, which lovingly highlight the impact of her sacrifices and talents as a seamstress new to the United States. Chunky, bright yarn sculptures in the forms of braids, and pompoms adorn the installation and bring a spirit of newness and celebration to the cherished memories. Viewers can find an entrypoint to the exhibition in the yarn and pompom-instructions provided by the artist, with which they may add their own pompoms to the floor installation!
