WHO: Kristy Perez

MEDIUM: Paint, ink, sculpture, silkscreen

BEST KNOWN FOR: Her minimalist style. “I always try to be as reductive as possible ..... just putting enough up so you get the essence,” she said. “I really like to subvert the narrative as much as possible so the materials and expressiveness of the work can kind of speak for themselves.” This desire comes from her belief that modern society bombards us with too much information and stimuli. “My work is an attempt at salvation from (postmodern) death,” she said.

PHILOSOPHY: Perez uses humor, metaphor and cultural references to comment on the brevity of life. And a connection with her audience is important. “I really try to be mindful of the viewer. I think a lot of artists don't do that. ..... I use humor, or I use color, or I use an object or something that people are familiar with,” she said.

PAYING THE BILLS: As assistant to art conservator Anne Zanikos, Perez is in charge of conservation and restoration of frames and wood objects.

CHECK HER OUT: Perez's work, including silkscreen and installation, is exhibited in “Artist's Proof: Five Artists Pushing Print” at Bihl Haus Art, 2803 Fredericksburg Road, through June 2. Call (210) 732-3502. She'll participate in her first exhibit outside San Antonio in October at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. “Y Qué?” will comprise the work of 25 Texas gay and lesbian artists.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA contributor