Transforming Society One Art Process at a Time with Natalia Astuácas
Atizay sat down with Natalia Astuácas, a fervent feminist and Human Rights activist who uses her art as a tool to convey her message through her project Arte Con Tacto. She welcomed us in her home studio for a vulnerable and inspiring conversation about how her artistic journey started, what her work means and her philosophy of life.
Courtesy of Natalia Astuácas.
Natalia is a very insightful woman and artist who cannot be easily described with words. Her warmth and vibrance makes you feel at home immediately, like you have known her for a lifetime. When you look at her work, it is hard to believe that she discovered her artistic talent “by accident”; in addition to her incredible technique, her purpose is what makes her work more special.
For Natalia, activism came before art. She studied journalism and is a communications professional who worked in the corporate world for many years, until her discomfort with the system motivated her to quit her job. As it was hard to find another secure job, she chose to give art a try. She started out making decorative magnets to make some money and they sold out very quickly. When she realized she was on to something, she decided to explore bigger formats and started creating a path more aligned with her values and vision. In her own words: “Before crossing paths with art, I was already a Human Rights activist, so it was very organic to use my artistic actions to communicate my own fight and find support in art as a tool to make the impact and social changes we desire. My speech as a feminist and activist extended to this area of work, and if I think about it, I believe it couldn't have been any other way; it's something transversal.”
Courtesy of Natalia Astuácas.
As a member of vulnerable groups herself, her activism is rooted in her own experience, which has also made her empathetic to the realities of groups that deal with other social issues. Her vision of a juster world permeates her work; from her canvas paintings to her murals, her art speaks volumes. She is a vocal ally who makes space in her work for the underrepresented. When we asked her what she would recommend people who are looking for ways to be better allies, this is what she had to say: “Every person is a universe with their own tools, resources, learnings, internal and external fights, experiences, times, processes, etc. We are veryyyy complex beings, and this is why I wouldn't dare to make recommendations, but I think some of the general resources based on respect for better coexisting with others can be: self-informing, self-education, unlearning what's been learned and relearning, observing, understanding, respecting (which includes staying quiet when one doesn't know something), deconstructing oneself and recognizing oneself as a human being under construction, listening, giving humility more space than the ego, and everyday, trying to connect with oneself, which can make it possible to find a greater space of light and empathy for others.” She also holds workshops that are never just artsy activities; there is a social proposal behind every process that the attendees and participants need to be aware of before diving into the artsy part itself.
It’s undeniable that Natalia’s work is diverse, but she confesses that she doesn’t enjoy one part of it more than another, as each project is meaningful in its own way. She has worked with different populations, such as women and immigrants, and using a variety of vehicles only means that her work is accessible to a broader audience, which doesn’t mean her message will stick with everybody, an idea she is absolutely OK with. While she tries to empower people who have been afraid to show themselves and raise their voices, she also understands that everybody’s journey is different and some might not yet be ready to take the leap. Diving into an artistic career has not been an easy choice for her, but she values her voice and independence very much. Even though she recognizes that the financial aspect is unstable sometimes – especially because of the country she lives in (Costa Rica) – and that in many instances an artist might need to negotiate and compromise, Natalia does not usually paint just to paint or make money. She believes in following her passion and does not compromise her beliefs in exchange for money to work on something that doesn’t align with her values.
Courtesy of Natalia Astuácas
The way she chooses to live life is as intense as her work. As she puts it, whatever it is you would be doing if you were told you only have one month left to live is what you should be doing now, everyday; if you are afraid of death, you are already not living life to the fullest.Talking to Natalia and witnessing her work’s impact as an artist and activist makes you feel like you can take over the world. “It's a tireless fight and it has to continue. I have learned that the conservative, fundamentalist, patriarcal, racist, xenophobjc, heteronormative and anti-Human Rights movements in general are very poor and weak in their speeches; they guard themselves in ignorance and resort to hatred and violence to validate themselves. I have learned that the fight can stand in a decided, intense and brave way, as well as in a joyful way as a means of resistance that doesn't harm me. Painting, drawing, creating, dancing, singing, planting, marching, etc., are ways to do it,” she tells us. To Natalia, it’s clear that giving up is not an option; when things get hard and overwhelning because of the path you choose, find a sane and healthy way to do it for yourself and your people, but don’t run away from it.
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