Tanya Aguiniga
By Catherine Brobeck
Photographed by Douglas Adesko
Tanya Aguiniga knows textiles. On a recent morning in her L.A. studio, she works on her signature felted chairs, layering turquoise wool as she gestures to the wealth of materials surrounding her: a lampshade she constructed from knitted rope; a box of intricately embroidered jackets from rural India; an elaborate piece of cloth she'd woven by hand in Chiapas, Mexico.
Raised in Tijuana, Aguiniga grew up observing life on both sides of the border: "When you grow up in a place with little money, you become incredibly aware of how people interact with the material that they have and the importance of function." Tijuana influenced her approach to art, combining the industrial minimalism she saw in the U.S. with the organic color and texture that was prevalent in Mexico.
That combination can be seen, not only in Aguiniga's design work, but in her installation art. Her recent show at Houston's Peel Gallery highlights the iconography of Mexican street culture while simultaneously deconstructing the familiar Mexican blanket into abstraction.
Although she trained as a furniture designer, Aguiniga has expanded into accessories: her rope necklaces and bracelets have exploded in popularity. "They have a minimalist handcrafted aesthetic, where the material is allowed to be itself," she says.
Aguiniga continues to advocate for the marginalized communities that inspire her, from Alaska natives to the people of Chiapas. "I hope that my pieces can encourage people to be sensitive to their choices as consumers and to support the efforts of people who craft amazing work in diminishing art forms."
Tanya wears a sweater by Tory Burch and necklace by Tanya Aguiniga.
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Raised in Tijuana, Aguiniga grew up observing life on both sides of the border: "When you grow up in a place with little money, you become incredibly aware of how people interact with the material that they have and the importance of function." Tijuana influenced her approach to art, combining the industrial minimalism she saw in the U.S. with the organic color and texture that was prevalent in Mexico.
That combination can be seen, not only in Aguiniga's design work, but in her installation art. Her recent show at Houston's Peel Gallery highlights the iconography of Mexican street culture while simultaneously deconstructing the familiar Mexican blanket into abstraction.
Although she trained as a furniture designer, Aguiniga has expanded into accessories: her rope necklaces and bracelets have exploded in popularity. "They have a minimalist handcrafted aesthetic, where the material is allowed to be itself," she says.
Aguiniga continues to advocate for the marginalized communities that inspire her, from Alaska natives to the people of Chiapas. "I hope that my pieces can encourage people to be sensitive to their choices as consumers and to support the efforts of people who craft amazing work in diminishing art forms."
Tanya wears a sweater by Tory Burch and necklace by Tanya Aguiniga.
MEET THE REST OF OUR 2012 BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
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