Hiding, resting, praying, being a seed.

Cecilia Beaven (b.1986) is a visual artist who, from her roots in Mexico City, has brought her fantastical universes to Chicago, where she currently resides. Her work combines a deep passion for graphic narrative with a fascination for large-scale projects. Beaven explores a variety of media, enriching her pieces with elements of Aztec mythology and Mexican folk art. In her creations, she inhabits alternate realities freely alongside magical and mythical beings.

The exhibition Semilla (Seed) is a journey through Beaven's imagination, showcasing Mexico's influence on her art—not just as the origin of her career but as a continuous source of inspiration. Through layers of vibrant colors and textures, each piece reflects growth and transformation, both in her artistic evolution and in the eternal cycles of nature.

Curated by Elisa Soto

Semilla is the companion exhibition to Flickering Cocoon, on view at the Hyde Park Art Center from October 12, 2024, until April 6, 2025. Through this institutional collaboration featuring new murals by Cecilia Beaven, the artist reflects on her journey from Mexico to Chicago and the creative communities that sustain her evolving art practice. We invite you to enhance your experience by visiting HPAC, where you can explore how her time in this city has influenced and expanded her artistic expression.

Discover more of Cecilia Beaven's vibrant artistry through two recent murals. Visit our newly revamped Museum Art Studio to see her stunning mural, and don’t miss her uplifting work in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, located here and created in collaboration with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.