Erika NJ Allen

Art is my way of nurturing connections—with my own story, with others, and with the shared narratives that shape our world. Born in Guatemala and a first-generation college graduate, I use my work to bridge themes of consumption, labor, migration, and resilience. Through ceramics and photography, I explore the intersection of personal and political experiences, challenging cultural assumptions and fostering empathy.

In May 2019, during my final year of earning a BFA, I underwent a hysterectomy, a life-changing experience that transformed my relationship with my body, food, and art. During recovery, fruits and vegetables became more than sustenance; they became meditative symbols of resilience and healing. This connection inspired me to replicate the produce I consumed in clay, imprinting real fruits onto ceramic surfaces. These works blur the line between authenticity and artifice, reflecting my body’s own duality—where the natural and medical coexist, one decaying while the other endures.

Two years later, while pursuing my MFA at Cranbrook Academy of Art, I fractured my wrist. This physical limitation forced me to adapt, sparking unexpected discoveries. One ordinary banana led to the development of a unique glazing technique that reshaped my porcelain and stoneware creations. What began as a personal exploration grew into a political dialogue, with my banana-inspired works symbolizing the resilience of marginalized communities and drawing attention to the global histories of labor and exploitation within the banana industry.

As I delve deeper into the cultural and economic impact of the banana industry, I explore how it has shaped migration and immigration experiences, uprooting communities and intertwining their survival with systems of labor and exploitation. Through this exploration, I aim to nurture empathy, inviting viewers to consider the human cost of these systems and to reflect on the resilience required to endure and adapt.

My practice has evolved beyond personal storytelling to engage larger systems of labor and consumption, exploring how they shape identity and collective experiences.

I am honored to have received recognition such as the 2024 NCECA Emerging Artist Award and the 21c Cincinnati Artadia Award, alongside participating in residencies including the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts.

Through my art, I aim to create spaces for reflection and connection. I invite others to share their own stories, transforming hardship into a shared celebration of resilience. My journey as an artist—and as a survivor—speaks to the enduring strength of the human spirit. Whether confronting systemic barriers or celebrating cultural heritage, my work invites dialogue, inspiring audiences to find beauty in resilience and the power of transformation.

Decorate With Fruit 2024

Ceramics, archival photography