We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kivan Quiñones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kivan below.

Kivan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

I think Noah Davis is one of my heroes because he not only built a successful career as an artist but also established the Underground Museum, making art accessible to those in underserved neighborhoods. His dedication to democratizing art and creating a platform for underrepresented voices inspired me deeply. I aspire to follow his model and establish a similar space in Puerto Rico, fostering a vibrant artistic community for all to enjoy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Kiván Quiñones, a multidisciplinary artist based in Puerto Rico. My artistic exploration centers around the investigation of various aspects of my ancestral cultures, with a particular focus on their ritualistic elements. I delve into the significance of objects and their echoes in our contemporary world. My work aims to bridge the past and the present by juxtaposing artifacts from our history with elements of our current reality, fostering a dialogue that reconnects us with seemingly forgotten or labeled “old” traditions.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the age-old notion that “artists die of hunger,” a pervasive stereotype in both past and present generations. To truly grasp the distinction between being an artist and building an art career, I had to acknowledge that when you choose the path of an art career, a whole new set of responsibilities comes into play. It’s no longer just about creating art but also about viewing oneself as a self-sustaining business. This shift entails crafting a personalized business model to thrive in the art world, transforming the way I approach my artistic journey.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

When I made the commitment to become a full-time artist and develop a successful art career, I embarked on a journey to establish my reputation within my market. I looked to iconic figures in the art world, such as Basquiat, Warhol, and Picasso, and uncovered a key insight: they recognized the importance of not only the artistic product but also the image surrounding it. This realization shifted my focus from merely how my work was received to the cultivation of my own image. I diligently integrated these elements into my business model, and over time, my reputation grew, drawing inspiration from the lessons of those legendary artists who resonated with my path in the field.

Contact Info:

• Website: kivanquinonesbeltran.xyz
• Instagram: @kivanquinonesbeltran

Image Credits
Portrait for the feature photo taken by: Grace Lucca @grace_lucca