Hugo currently lives in New York City where he has been exploring photography, video and street art as a means of intervention. His artwork has been exhibited in Mexico, the United States, and Spain. Hugo completed his graduate degree in Media Studies at the New School.

Why were you interested in becoming a Teaching Artist?

As an artist and educator, a teaching artist position at CUP allows me to continue extending my social practice by getting involved with teaching and creating curriculum of a diverse series of topics that are influential in students’ communities. 

How would you describe your artistic practice?

I like to make art that is: Inclusive, art that invites interaction (with space, with people). Accessible, in terms of the creation of it and the reach to it. I like to make art projects that can be reproduced (public art, street art, community based projects). Temporal. Nothing is forever, but at least that creates evolution of ideas. And art that is creative, I like to make art that invites action

What is a project you’re working on now that you’re excited to reveal soon?

Right now, I’m working in a project called Yo Soy. Identidad en tiempos de encarcelamiento, “I am. Identity in times of incarceration." This is a series of art workshops in a juvenile correctional center at San Jose, Costa Rica exploring identity during incarceration thought art. Inmates will have the opportunity to create art and show their artwork in a gallery in San Jose to help initiate a conversation about the need of art programs in their center.

How has collaborating with CUP impacted your work moving forward?

The collaboration with CUP has been great. Their teaching methodologies and access to stakeholders in diverse topics has broadened my teaching and understanding of teaching/learning. In general, I can say that this collaboration has made be a better artist and educator.

What is your secret skill that has nothing to do with your art and educator work?

I can make a delicious Mexican noodle soup.