By Tess McMullen
Alice Madrigal, a 2023 UC Santa Barbara Art Honors graduate, is shaking up the art world with bold illustrations that explore identity and self-expression. Her work, often infused with vivid colors and playful patterns, reflects her commitment to challenging societal norms of beauty and self-perception and embracing authenticity. Many of her pieces depict diverse, curvy features and expressive clothing, stressing body positivity. Through her art, Madrigal invites viewers to reconsider traditional standards of beauty by celebrating individuality and imperfection.
New York-based UCSB alumna artist Alice Madrigal creates pieces that employ color and boldness to embrace individuality and authenticity.
One such piece, that was exhibited at UCSB’s Glass Box Gallery, featured a figure with curly blue hair and jeweled hands surrounded by text expressing unspoken longing. Another portrayed a woman in a flowing striped dress with exaggerated proportions, set against a swirling pink background, showing both confidence and self-reflection. Madrigal primarily works in marker and mixed media, creating vibrant, layered compositions.
Her work at the Glass Box Gallery explored where personal emotions meets societal expectations, using exaggerated forms, bright colors, and text to convey self-acceptance and belonging. Now navigating the vibrant New York art scene, Madrigal is working toward her first NYC art show. In a recent interview, she reflected on her UCSB experience and shared her vision for her art.
How did UCSB’s Honors Art Program and the courses you took influence your style and growth as an artist?
The Honors Art Program at UCSB was really special because there were only about 10 of us, and we were all so committed to our art practice. We didn’t have typical assignments. Instead, we had to spend at least 10 hours a week in the studio working. Every week, we would come together to share what we had been working on, which was really helpful... One of my biggest goals was to get my work into the Glass Box. By the time I was in the honors program in my fifth year, I finally got that opportunity.
What was your favorite piece of art that you displayed at the Glass Box Gallery?
One piece that stands out to me was really personal. It had a message that said, 'I’m not avoiding you. Talking to you makes me sad because I wish that you were mine and I was yours.' It was special to me because it was so vulnerable, and I was putting it out there for all my friends and even strangers to see... For them, it was just a piece of art from someone they didn’t know, but for me, they were looking right into my vulnerabilities, my anxieties, my insecurities—me.
A work by UC Santa Barbara Art Honors graduate Alice Madrigal that expresses unrequited yearning. This piece was on display at UCSB’s Glass Box gallery.
Are there any courses at UCSB that you would recommend to a prospective or current art student?
One class requires you to work in either the metal or wood shop—I chose the wood shop, and it was such a wild experience. You feel like a superhero. It’s scary, but also empowering. I remember thinking, 'I just sliced wood and turned it into circles!' Also, definitely try for Word magazine or the Honors Program if you can. Both give you so much creative freedom.
What challenges have you faced transitioning from being an art student to a professional, and how have you overcome them?
In my last year of college, I thought I wanted to be a children’s book illustrator. After just coming out of college, where I had all this creative freedom, [I found myself] sitting in a cubicle. I realized that, even though I loved the people and the company, the job itself didn’t align with what I wanted. So, I made the decision to leave and spent the summer focusing on my art. That summer gave me the chance to explore and dive deeper into my creativity.
What advice would you give to current art students who are trying to navigate their own artistic journey?
I’d say create as much as you can without putting pressure on yourself. Don’t think, 'This has to be a great piece.' Just see what happens when you start—whether that’s putting your hand on paper or trying something else. Be authentic because that’s really what matters in your art.
A work by UCSB alumna Alice Madrigal, displaying her penchant for boldness in self-expression. She is currently working toward her first exhibit in New York City.
Tess McMullen is a fourth-year Communications major at UC Santa Barbara. She wrote this piece for her Digital Journalism course.