Johana Quesada: Embracing Chaos and Creating Art
Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey to Costa Rican immigrants and raised in Dallas, Texas, Johana Quesada has carved out an artistic niche that’s as unique as her journey. A self-proclaimed “creative chameleon,” she’s a master of art and poetry who finds inspiration in the most unconventional places.
Johana’s passion for art started early. As a child, she was often found creating something beautiful from nothing. Despite having limited resources, her parents’ home was a wellspring of inspiration. She transformed ordinary objects into works of art, sparking a creativity that would continue to grow throughout her life.
Her lack of formal training has never held her back. Instead, she has harnessed the power of self-education, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources including internet tutorials, Art Appreciation courses in college, and her extensive travels. She admires the classics - Dali, Nin, Abramovic, and Kahlo - but she also finds inspiration in the rhythms of Hip Hop, R&B, and the Beat Poetry movement.
The mark of Johana’s artistry is her fluid style. She dabbles in everything from painting to resin casting, creating pieces that captivate and inspire. Her work often bridges the gap between the ancient world and the present, exploring themes of homeopathic medicine and its intersection with modern pharmaceuticals. These profound themes resonate deeply with her personal journey, including her past struggles with addiction and her HIV diagnosis in 2018.
Yet, her work is as much a celebration as it is a critique. Johana’s art revels in the human form, challenges political narratives, and brings to life the ecstasy often experienced in other-worldly realities. Her creative process reflects her love for the environment, always prioritizing recycled, thrifted, or repurposed materials. Sustainability isn’t just a trend for Johana—it’s a way of life.
Her mission? To question the norm, to foster endless curiosity and playfulness, and to promote sustainability. And she’s making an impact. Not only through her art but also as an HIV activist. Johana has harnessed the power of social media to shine a light on the struggles and disparities HIV-positive women face, and she’s spearheading initiatives for positive women in her clinic network.
Interestingly, her decision to share her art with the world was nudged by an unlikely source—a patron during her time as an exotic dancer in Dallas. This encounter left an indelible mark on Johana, proving that wisdom and support can come from unexpected places.
Looking ahead, Johana has big plans. She’s eager to share her story through her creations and represent the heart and soul of the DFW area. She’s also keen to inspire women globally to live authentically and unabashedly. One of the events she’s excited about is The Daiquiri’s Box Tasting Event taking place on August 5, 2023, in Denton, Texas featuring various local artists like herself. This bold artist is just getting started, and the world can’t wait to see what she does next.