Alejandro Medina

Alejandro Medina (he/him, b. 1995 Guatemala) is a research-based artist and architect. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and is currently pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Art, Culture & Technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Building on his studies of architecture, photography, 3D visualization and computational design his work lies between the crossing points of different mediums (in a constant interchange between 2D and 3D worlds, and often times using a combination of both digital and analog techniques). His process often involves multiple phases of research, the implementation of emergent technologies and a deep concern for material investigation. Medina primarily draws inspiration from his early encounters with nature. Born and raised in Guatemala, he grew up close to the natural world (spending long periods of time immersed in rainforests and exploring other tropical ecosystems such as coral reefs). Intrinsic in his work is a sense of curiosity for one’s immediate surroundings; as well as a desire to unveil the unexpected interconnections occurring within the natural and artificial systems functioning around us.

His most recent work explores the relationship between humans and nature, particularly through the lens of the architecture and technologies that we build and use. Reflecting critically upon our exploitation and manipulation of living systems, non-human beings and the biosphere at large.

Medina has exhibited his work internationally including in Guatemala, the United States, France, Spain, Taiwan and China amongst others. He has recently participated in residencies at the Atlantic Center for the Arts under photographer Catherine Opie, Residency 108, Fondazione Pistoletto with the artist duo Cooking Sections and at the Cité Internationale des Arts with the support of a Discovery Prize from the University of Southern California.