Today we’d like to introduce you to zoe cinel.
Hi zoe, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am an O1B immigrant artist and curator. I am originally from Florence, Italy. I moved to Minneapolis in 2016 to get an MFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Even before graduating in 2018, I worked with the collective CarryOn Homes on recording, archiving and highlighting stories of immigration in MN through public art, storytelling, photography and more. The collective is currently made by myself, Shun Yong (Malaysia) and Peng Wu (China). https://carryonhomes.com/
In graduate school I developed both an artistic practice and a curatorial one. Eventually landed a job as Assistant Curator at the Rochester Art Center in 2019. In 2020 I became Curator and since then I have curated exhibitions that foster community and address complex topics like immigration, representation and care. A major achievement was curating the group exhibition Chronicles of the Chronic in 2023. The show brought together an amazing group of regional, national and international artists whose work addresses the multilayered experience of living with a chronic illness, and the creativity and resilience of this community. The exhibition also engaged through public programs healthcare professionals at Mayo Clinic and other institutions on conversations around multimodal healing and care. https://cinelzoe.myportfolio.com/chronicles-of-the-chronic
I am currently curating another group exhibition that highlights the O1B immigrant community in Minnesota and features several extraordinary international artists living in the region. The exhibition will open in summer 2025 in one of the Main Galleries at the Rochester Art Center.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In my journey I have faced some difficulties, one of being immigration. My current visa, which I have had since 2020, is a temporary O1B visa. It’s difficult to get and it requires a strong network of support (many experts in the field who vouch for you through letters of recommendation), “extraordinary achievements” in the arts (including press, solo exhibitions and so on) and a three year plan – not a simple demand for the creative field!
Another challenge was being diagnosed in summer 2020 with a chronic illness and learning to navigate the medical system as a young immigrant during a pandemic. It was difficult and isolating at first, but I always have my art to fall on for guidance and protection.
Most of my work revolves around creating community, connecting over life challenges that are divisive if they are kept invisible. Through collaborations like CarryOn Homes, I have been able to connect with others and find mentorship in the many ways they make a new home in Minnesota, or the way they develop a sense of belonging. We are proud to present a new exhibition at the Minnesota Museum of America Art in St. Paul, in fall 2025. Circles of Care will reflect on our journey as a collective since 2017 to now: https://mmaa.org/circles-of-care/
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a multimedia artist, I work with video installations, soft sculpture, public art, photography and a wide range of media. Since the diagnosis in 2020, my artistic practice has evolved to address stigmatized topics like chronic illness and care. 2025 is going to be an exciting year for me because I am getting ready to present two new multimedia installations that merge years of research on the history of herbology in Italy, witchery, multimodal healing with participant’s feedback from workshops I have led over the past two years with community members in the Twin Cities. The work will be presented in a group show at the MCAD Gallery (reception January 24th, 2025, 6-8pm) and it is supported by the MCAD Jerome Fellowship for emerging artists. https://www.mcad.edu/why-mcad/fellowships/mcad-jerome-foundation-fellowships
Another achievement that I am most proud of is a collaboration with Amplify MN: A Disability Justice Collective, the University of Minnesota Liberal Arts Hub, the Minnesota Historical Society, the students from Curating Disability Justice (Professor Jessica Cooley), and the Mill City Museum for the the group exhibition The Art of Disability Justice Now. From all the amazing partners, co-curators, activists and community members involved in this project, I learned about Disability Justice, accessibility and how to find a proud identity and community in illness. The exhibition has been extended until January 5th, 2025, it’s free to visit at the Mill City Museum. I hope readers will check it out and support the amazing work of the leading organization Amplify MN: A Disability Justice Collective.
https://disabilityjusticeart.com/
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122109649706363376
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Moving from my country was a big risk, it has taken me a long time to feel a sense of belonging to this place, where cultural norms are different from my home country. Immigration also put me through the challenges of learning a new language, navigating a new healthcare system, public transportation, housing, and more. Being an immigrant with a chronic illness adds layers of complexity to this experience and feels overwhelming at times. And the visa process is a great gamble, where there is life, relationships and a sense of identity are at stake. There is no assurance that an application will be approved. That uncertainty feels aggravating, especially while trying to establish a sustainable practice.
But overall, despite the challenges, I am proud of my resilience and I love my immigrant and disabled communities. It’s meaningful beyond words to be able to deeply connect with people from all over the world and with different abilities through my art.
Pricing:
- Contact me for pricing info
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cinelzoe.myportfolio.com/bio-and-cv
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zcinel/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zoecinel122
- Other: https://carryonhomes.com/projects
Screenshot
