Reyna Noriega, Visual Artist
As an artist, designer, and author, Reyna Noriega has dedicated her life to empowering others through her vibrant artistic expression. The multi-hyphenate, who has cultural roots in Cuba and the Bahamas, has done it all — from creating a colorful cover for The New Yorker to closing out 2023 with a full-scope multimedia and multidimensional installation in collaboration with nAscent Art New York, during Miami Art Week. And she’s just getting started.
The Miami native hopes to inspire the next generation to dream big without reservations — an attitude that’s proven successful for Noriega. “I just think of all the young girls like me that will see those works and know that there are no limits,” she shares.
We chatted with the visual artist about her proudest achievement and the advice she’d give her younger self. Keep reading to learn more about this mujer de magia below.
Grace Gavilanes: Did you always dream of being an artist?
Reyna Noriega: As a child I would add characters to my picture books and sketch alongside my Papi in his sketchbooks as he was drawing. I liked the idea of the “life of an artist” — I saw it as more joy-filled and free than any other career. Artists were always dressed uniquely and doing cool things, but of course as I got older, I was convinced that the “starving artist” narrative was fact.
GG: What advice would you give someone looking to follow in your footsteps?
RN: The world needs your art and your story in your voice — and the way that only you can tell it.
GG: Imposter syndrome is a very real thing in our community. Have you experienced it? If so, how do you reconnect with yourself?
RN: I dealt with a lot of fear and imposter syndrome early on but at some point I recognized that I had a purpose, and that purpose was bigger than me and bigger than my fear. I started reframing things in my mind so the focus was on the people my words and my work could help vs focusing on anyone that may not deem me worthy of the space I was taking up.
GG: What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?
RN: I am proud of the space my work and I have been able to occupy. From the cover of The New Yorker, to three giant facades of Brookfield Place, Bal Harbour, a Warby Parker. I just think of all the young girls like me that will see those works and know that there are no limits.
GG: What does being Latina mean to you?
RN: Being Latina in America means to me honoring that my parents and grandparents left everything they knew to ensure I would have a good life, and honoring that, in many ways, the things that they brought makes this country better. It is a privilege to be able to look at my culture and Latinidad for all of its riches, and not its drawbacks, while living in the dream they foresaw.
GG: How would you say your upbringing and cultural background contributed to your career aspirations?
RN: My culture is embedded in everything I create. When I am away from “home,” I realize how much it influences me. The color, the vibrant sounds and foods, the values, etc. I was also fortunate to be born to parents that had lived outside of the norm. My father was an athlete and artist, and retired from the MLB when I was very young.
GG: What would you tell 10-year-old Reyna right now if you had the opportunity?
RN: I would remind her how special she is and that she is capable of all she’s dreaming of. I would tell her not to give her power away to anyone and that the only person she needs validation from is herself.
