bio
bio
Madelline Vicencio experiments with the dismantling of traditional painting—an approach that emerged fully during residencies from 2021-2023 at TEXERE in Oaxaca, MX and Casa Lü in Mexico City, MX. Connecting to her roots in Mexico ignited a fascination with mixed media and the stories embedded within objects. Her materials of choice aim to minimize waste by preserving second-hand treasures on heavily embellished surfaces. Found objects, upcycled textiles, and a deep love for craft arts make up the core of her visceral practice. Born and raised in Texas, Vicencio earned her BFA in Painting from the University of Houston in 2021 and resides in Houston as she shares the value of process-driven art and play through community-building workshops and teaching young artists.
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artist statement
There is a deep emotional charge in the notion that people live in the traces they make. Documentation raises questions about who gets to be documented, while the anarchival is defined by the process of excavation, pulling not from the source, but the objects that express the impressions of existence. Anarchive and documentation have taken over my thoughts as
I ruminate on personal history and the environment that affects individuals overlooked by systems that fail to honor their value.
My process begins with a search for items that investigate the aesthetics of clutter. These materials range from the hoarded "immigrant clutter” of my mother’s home to the trash gathered during morning strolls. Then comes the ritual of repurposing, deconstruction, and devotion. By gathering from my surroundings, these objects are given a new function as vessels of memory and preservation. The gnarly process of deconstruction layers paperwork and carves porous portals into used fabric, defamiliarizing the origin of the found objects. This is paired with handmade embellishments such as weaving, hemming stitches, and freehand crochet. Craft implements a touch of affection that prolongs thoughtful intervention.
Collecting speaks to the heart of what it means to be human and encourages me to take an active role in protecting our shared history.
Whether they are domestic objects, torn pages from journals, or paperwork, I’ve learned that documenting can reveal the complexities of memory, identity, and love.