Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana Zubikarai – ZUBI -.
Hi Adriana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I didn’t come from a family of artists, or grow up immersed in the art scene of Mexico City. Exposure to art was the occasional classical concert, dance classes and learning to knit with my Mom at the age of 13.
My real curiosity for art awakened later, when I lived in Paris for a year after college. I spent countless afternoons on guided tours at the Louvre. I remember seeing Ingres’s works for the first time—the incredible softness of the skin, the elongated forms, the teal fabric in La Grande Odalisque. Something shifted in me. Meeting people from all over Europe, forming friendships that still matter today—living there made me realized how much we share as humans, and that understanding has shaped the nature of my work.
But I didn’t become an artist right away. I returned to Mexico to study economics and eventually worked in banking and consulting for several years. Reinventing yourself isn’t as simple as visiting a museum—it took time, risk, and a lot of honesty with myself. A part of me remained dormant until I began making art.
That awakening truly began after I got married and moved to New York City. I enrolled at the International Center of Photography for a black and white I photo class, and that experience opened a door I couldn’t close again. As my ideas grew, so did my need for technique, which led me to study painting and sculpture at the New York Academy of Art and later at Leah Lopez’s atelier.
With this foundation—and a lot of time, devotion, and searching—I finally feel confident in calling myself an artist. And that long, winding path is an essential part of why I make the work I make today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In all honesty, I don’t think there’s such a thing as a smooth road. Life isn’t linear—there are ups, downs, pauses, hiccups and unexpected turns that end up shaping who we are.
If I had to name challenges, here are a couple of them. The first is our own mind—the constant inner voice of doubt, fear, and perfectionism. Learning to tame that voice and redirect it toward creating honest, meaningful work is one of the earliest and most essential lessons and often, for me, an everyday battle.
The second is well known: the economics of the art system. Navigating the financial realities of sustaining an art practice can be difficult, especially while staying true to your vision. Some people see that you’re also raising two girls and working with a non-traditional schedule, and they assume it’s just a hobby. And as women, we often have to work even harder to build a name for ourselves.
I am incredibly grateful to have the support of my family and my communities in Mexico, New York City, and now Miami. After living 23 years in NYC, I moved to Miami a little over three years ago. Because the art world here is younger and still evolving compared to New York, I found an atmosphere that felt open, warm, and welcoming. It has given me many opportunities to connect with people, collaborate, and share my work. Like sharing my story with you here at Voyage Miami.
Each challenge, internal or external, becomes part of the journey and ultimately enriches the work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The process of creating is magical to me—it’s what keeps me returning to the studio day after day. I work with materials based on the concept or emotion I want to express, which naturally leads me to mixed-media work, sometimes using non-traditional surfaces like mirrors or cardboard. My practice includes drawing, painting, collage, fabric-based installations, sculpture, and video.
Much of my work is connected to nature and the human experience. I’ve always traced my love of the natural world back to my mother. She was constantly pointing out birds, flowers, and plants for me to admire, and that quiet, attentive way of seeing has stayed with me throughout my life and now shapes my artistic language.
There is an urgent need to return to nature; we have become disconnected from it, almost as if we’ve forgotten that we are nature.
I am proud of the way my work allows me to connect with people, regardless of nationality, race, or belief system. In the end, most of us are searching for the same things in life—connection, love, and peace within ourselves and with others.
I believe this is why my work resonates with many cultures and forms part of private collections in Mexico, USA, Japan, Spain and other countries in Latin America.
What sets me apart is my commitment to intuition and material exploration. I let the concept guide the medium rather than the other way around. That freedom opens space for unexpected textures, contrasts, and poetic moments to emerge. Often, the final work still surprises me; I find myself wondering, Was I really the creator? Most artworks take on a life of their own.
My main goal is to create work that invites viewers to pause, feel, and reconnect—with themselves, with each other, and with the natural world.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I was recently introduced to a podcast by Dan Harris called “10% Happier,” and I’m loving it. One episode I keep thinking about is the conversation with Annie Murphy Paul on The Science of Getting Out of Your Head. When we step outside our own minds, we realize we are the creators of our own world—because in many ways, we are the world.
A classic favorite for me is “What Now?” by Trevor Noah. I love how he’s truly a citizen of the world. He brings in guests who speak about our shared humanity, and of course, he’s hilarious.
When I want to dive deeper into art history or contemporary art, I listen to “Tomorrow Is the Problem,” by Donna Honarpisheh—our very own Miami-based curator from the Institute of Contemporary Art.
Honestly, we spend a lot of time in the car here in Miami, so podcasts have become one of my favorite companions.
As for art books, if you want to start drawing, I strongly recommend “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards—both the book and the workbook. She explains everything you need to know and teaches you how to put the theory into practice.
I love drawing. I have a little book I bought at the Louvre filled with sketches by many artists. I enjoy seeing their drawings in all stages—imperfect, moving, half-finished. They remind me so much of life: always changing, never perfect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adrianazubikarai.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianazubikarai?igsh=MTVnam0wcXdkdTZocA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Claudia Storper
Adriana Zubikarai
Adriana Zubikarai
Adriana Zubikarai
Adriana Zubikarai
Adriana Zubikarai
Claudia Storper
Adriana Zubikarai
Adriana Zubikarai
