New York-based artist Jose Arenas creates works that explore dual identities, personal ritual, migration, and the displaced feeling that occurs from growing up in both California and Guadalajara. He combines decorative patterns, culturally-assigned symbols, and familiar abstract forms to create an emotionally resonant narrative that remains open to interpretation. Arenas received a BFA in Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute (1995), and an MFA from UC Davis (2000). His work has been exhibited throughout the United States, and he teaches at Parsons, The New School for Design, and Kingsborough College.