need a hug — An Illustration by Araceli Zuniga
Issue No. 5: Stressed Out!
Illustration - Araceli Zuniga
About the Artist
Araceli Zuniga is a Mexican American multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago. Vibrant colors and intimate queer-like figures define their work. The relationship between their own mental health and its origins in childhood are vital themes in their art practice.
Araceli uses playful qualities combined with their understanding of their trauma to encourage a self-restorative process. Furthermore, Araceli also uses their art practice as a tool to break down ignorance towards Latinx people.
They have done this by co-hosting social justice art workshops and creating work that speaks to immigrant rights. Araceli is a member of two artist collectives: L.U.N.A (Latinxs Unidas en Las Artes) and the Underbelly collective. They have completed a fellowship at the BlackPaint Studios’ Creative Leadership Program and have worked with Communication, a Madison-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering a vibrant creative community.
They have also worked with local community gardens to create welcoming and inclusive murals in Chicago, Illinois. Since then, Araceli’s work has been featured at Site Gallery, Genesis Gallery, Union Art Gallery, and more. Araceli received their BFA in Painting and Drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
