Cal Duran
Ceramics/Mixed Media
Cal Duran is a Queer, Two Spirit, Indigenous, Native, Mixed blood. Latinx, Manito, Mestizo, Chicanx, Indian Artist, and Arts Educator from Colorado. Art has been a portal to channel his indigenous ancestors, where he slips under an emotional spinning vortex of creation. The makers of his blood flow through him. He channels the artisans, craft-makers, mud-dwellers, star-makers, dream-weavers and earth-brothers and sisters the ones who paved the way and forged the path. His work carries spirit, and his truth is in everything he creates. He has roots that bridge India, Mexico and the natives of this land. He finds himself exploring parallels between his hybrid identities found in myth, religion, and ritual.
He has shown altars, installations and artwork in museums and galleries throughout the Denver Metro area and beyond. He continues to honor his ancestors and recently created a room at Meow Wolf in Denver, honoring the indigenous tribes of Colorado and the Americas. He understands the importance of land acknowledgment honoring all the Earth tribes across the globe and the indigenous lineages down his blood line. Growing up separated from his culture, his mom was adopted and his father was not in his life; he grew up trying to figure out his cultural roots. Art was where he could connect and find his heritage. It was through art that he began to connect to his ancestors. He is guided by these ancestors to create altars as beacons of light for the ones beyond this realm.
As a youth educator, Cal understands how important art is for our next generation in creating safe spaces and helping youth find their voice. He is honored to weave his vision of ancestral knowledge to guide others as they seek to reconnect to ancestors, create altars and remember where they came from. He gives gratitude and love to everyone working hard to create a world full of love, joy and creativity.
Learn more about the artist on his website and Instagram: