Artwork copyright Marela Zacarías. Photo courtesy of the curator, Philippe Hyojung Kim, 2021.

Artwork copyright Marela Zacarías. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021 (detail).

Artwork copyright Marela Zacarías. Photo courtesy of the curator, Philippe Hyojung Kim, 2021.

In and Out, 2018

Marela Zacarías
(American | Mexican, born 1978)

Location: Simcoe Elementary, Wapato

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Marela Zacarías combines sculpture with painting to create the In and Out sculpture. It is painted with shapes and patterns from her studies of history and is made of molded window screen and plaster to create a rippling, fabric-like form. Zacarías was a mural painter for more than ten years, and she wants to bring walls into three-dimensional space. She notes, “I feel like abstraction really allows for the story to be filtered and to come out in a different way in which people can see it or not see it at all. It at least creates a question: What is this about?”

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Philippe Hyojung Kim in 2021 at Simcoe Elementary, in Wapato, Central Washington. The local art selection committee stressed the following interests: artworks that represent Wapato’s diverse families and its rural and agricultural communities; the connection to the Yakama Nation; and artworks that focus on balance and are reflective of young minds.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Wapato School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Marela Zacarías creates expressive, abstract artworks that combine painting and sculpture. Her painted geometric designs are also inspired by historical research.
Zacarías was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and lives and works between New York City and Mexico City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kenyon College in Ohio and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Hunter College in New York City. Zacarías' art is in collections across the U.S., including a site-specific commission at Sea-Tac International Airport, and residencies at Pilchuck Glass School and MadArt Studio (all in Western Washington).