Artist Oliviana Cinco draws parallels between art and design in her work and their ability to intersect with other disciplines.

How would you describe your profession and your practice?

I am a multidisciplinary artist.

Has your work changed over the course of your career?

The most significant change in my work has been how the audience is considered in both the thematic expressions and the use of material.

What was your “eureka!” moment that made you realize that art/design was the route you wanted to take?

In my practice, art and design are often synonymous, and used as a way to work through, problem solve, and develop concepts, ideas, and systems that contribute to my community and surrounding environment. What I love about art and design is that they are among the few disciplines that can intersect other disciplines, like art with science, or design with technology.

Is your work inspired by anything in particular? What turns you on creatively?

This is always changing and often influenced by my collaborators.

Is your work inspired by anything in particular? What turns you on creatively?

This is always changing and often influenced by my collaborators.

Which designers or artists inspire you and why?

My inspirations include Es Devlin and Bjarke Ingels. I like the way their work exhibits innovative ways of pushing art and design across various platforms (stage design, architecture, public space, urban planning etc.).

What was the name of your 2024 DesignTO Festival exhibition?

The work is titled ‘Santuario’, meaning “sanctuary” in Spanish. It is a 6-foot wide nest installation with a 4-foot reflective dome inside resembling a large egg. The work explores the intricacy of our connections to all living beings and asks the viewer to reflect on the concept of home, and shelter. This organically-built installation speaks to the relationship between natural and built environments and our role and influence in that capacity.

How long have you been involved with DesignTO? Why is DesignTO important to the creative community, here as well as abroad?

This is my first year exhibiting with DesignTO. What inspired me to participate was DesignTO’s initiative to bridge gaps between art, design, and creative placemaking, creating opportunities for dialogue and an exchange of ideas about what it means to design a better future.

Lastly, what random fact about yourself would you like to share with the DesignTO community?

I love to travel!

‘Santuario’ is just one of over 100 free window installations, exhibitions and events at the 2024 DesignTO Festival, January 19-28, 2024. Visit the Festival Schedule to learn more about ‘Santuario’ and other projects.