EL SOL

Sketch

Statement

My interdisciplinary art practice takes a look into the everyday and oftentimes delves into topics of mental health and reflection of the systems of power we live under, especially in our current day. while adding genres of comedy, suspense, and fantasy. My mediums consist of paint(especially oil), drawing materials, and video making. I use traditional tools in order to create a careful handcrafted quality. I have found my love for comic making by using dip pens and ink to tell narrative stories revolving around interpersonal dilemmas. I explore traumatic experiences in order to create a space for healing and a conversation around healing rituals.

Bio

Solana is a queer second generation Mexican-American from Wisconsin. Currently a student at School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she Studies Studio and Fine art.
She is an illustrative storyteller with multiple self publications of her comic stories. She has years of experience in group exhibition as well as involvement in Art sale tabling events and production.

CVEDUCATION
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Fine ArtsGROUP EXHIBITIONS
2025 Comic Student Showcase/Live Reading, Quimby's Bookstore,
Chicago, IL
Fall Who We Are, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Admissions, Chicago, IL
Summer@SAIC Exhibition, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Summer Who We Are, School of the Art Institute of Chicago Admissions, Chicago, IL
Spring Who We Are, School of the Art Institute of Chicago Admissions, Chicago, IL
2024 Processing, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Untitled, My Place Ohio, Chicago, IL
2023 ArtBash, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
2022 Artists Gallery, Racine, WIPUBLICATIONS
2025 Pancake Boy Adventures 2, Quimby's Bookstore, Chicago, IL
2024 Pancake Boy Adventures, Quimby's Bookstore, Chicago, IL
Good Kush Love and Friendship, Quimby's Bookstore, Chicago, IL
2023 Multi-step Stool, SAIC Woodshop Canvas Page, Online videoRESIDENCIES
2025 Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists’ Residency, Saugatuck, MI
2024 Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists’ Residency, Saugatuck, MIAWARDS
2023 48/24/12 Video contest - 2nd place, Chicago ILSALES
2026 DePaul Zine fest, Depaul Student center, Chicago IL
2025 SAIC Holiday Art Sale , Mclean Ballroom, Chicago IL
DePaul Zine fest, Depaul Student center, Chicago ILPUBLIC WORK
2022 Kids of Park, Mural, Washington Park High School, Racine, WI