STAFF REPORT
In the heart of Chicago, fiber artist Carina Yépez is stitching together the past and present through her extraordinary quilts. Born to Mexican immigrants from La Haciendita, Guanajuato, Yépez learned to sew from her mother, a skill passed down through generations. For Yépez, sewing is not just a craft; it’s a therapeutic process that connects her to her roots.
Yépez’s fiber art blends traditional quilting with contemporary techniques, incorporating digital imagery of her ancestors and the women who influenced her. “I’m blending the practice of quilting along with photography, and I’m reimagining images with appliqué and free motion drawing,” Yépez explains.
Historically, fiber art has been viewed as a domestic craft, mainly practiced by women for household use and celebrations. However, Yépez is part of a movement reshaping the perception of fiber art, elevating it into the realm of fine art.
Her unique work has gained recognition in prestigious venues. Curators from the Art Institute of Chicago approached Yépez for an upcoming exhibition on loss, absence, and grief. One of her standout pieces, Mujeres, will be showcased in 2025. This quilt is based on a photograph Yépez received from a family friend and features her grandmother and a group of seamstresses from her hometown. The quilt immortalizes the bond these women shared through sewing.
“For Latinos to be represented at the Art Institute of Chicago, being born and raised here, I find it such a big deal and an honor,” Yépez shares.
Her work has also been displayed at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. This year, in celebration of Día de los Muertos, her piece Lulú y Lanis will honor her late cousin Lulú and her beloved dog Lana.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Yépez gives back to the community by leading quilting workshops at the Pilsen-based museum. Every Saturday, she gathers with a group of women who, like her, find healing and connection through quilting.
“I feel honored and proud to continue this legacy,” Yépez says. Through her art, Yépez not only honors her ancestors but also carves out space for future generations of artists to find meaning and connection in their heritage.