Bio

Vikki Cruz, is a Bakersfield-based painter, whose work is deeply rooted in appreciating the ordinary. Working predominantly from direct observation, she finds inspiration in the mundane and celebrates the inherent beauty found within everyday objects. With a delicate hand, Vikki’s brush strokes unveil the intricacies of her chosen subjects, often found within the intimate confines of the home. In her figurative works, Cruz directs attention to fragments of the human form - a hand, a foot, or the curve of a chest. These isolated body parts serve as focal points, offering an exploration of the subtle balance between allure and suggestion. Cruz invites viewers to engage with notions of desire, intimacy, and vulnerability, encouraging a deeper contemplation of the complexities of the human experience. 

 

Vikki Cruz, a native of Bakersfield, California, was born in 1980. Cruz received her Bachelor of Arts from UC Berkeley, where she studied art history and studio art. In 2008, she co-owned and operated Surface Gallery, where she represented emerging and established artists. She then served as the curator of the Bakersfield Museum of Art from 2010 to 2015. The museum flourished as a vibrant hub for artistic expression and community engagement during her leadership. In 2015, Cruz ventured to Los Angeles to accept a position at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). She currently plays a pivotal role in coordinating the museum’s exhibition programs. Cruz maintains a deep connection to her roots, dividing her time between Bakersfield and Los Angeles.