Kaelyn Andrade, born in 1999 on the north side of Chicago, is a Mexican and Salvadoran artist whose work delves deeply into the intersections of history and identity. Raised in a traditional family with a rich but complex heritage, Kaelyn's upbringing was profoundly influenced by the realities of living in an immigrant household and the legacy of the Salvadoran civil war, which has had a lasting impact on her family.
Kaelyn attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she earned a B.A. in Fine Arts and Art History, with a minor in Museum Studies. Her academic background, coupled with her personal experiences, has greatly shaped her artistic perspective. Her work is a reflection of her struggle to navigate and reconcile her identity amid the strict cultural and social rules often imposed on women.
In her art, Kaelyn addresses the generational trauma passed down through her family and the societal restrictions imposed on women and girls in both Mexico and El Salvador. She uses visual imagery from social media and memes—often functioning as modern political cartoons—to critique how history and colonization have shaped societal expectations and limitations. Her art provides a poignant commentary on the ways in which these forces continue to influence and restrict marginalized groups, offering a unique perspective on the impact of historical and contemporary issues on identity and agency.
Education
2024 Bachelors of Fine Arts, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
2024 Art History, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Solo Shows
2024 Memorias De Cobre, Chicago Athletic Hotel, Chicago Illinois
2021 That which Remains, Chicago Illinois
Group Exhibitions
2025 Mass Sanctuaries, The Juan R. Fuentes Gallery, Accion Latina, San Francisco CA
2025 Para Nosotras, Grounded Studio, Chicago IL
2024 Beautiful Soul Coffin show, Pilsen Arts and Community House, Chicago IL
2023 A Tribe Called Chicago, Low Rez, Chicago Illinois
Fellowships
2025 Masa Fellowship, Chicago IL, Michigan Battle Creek
2025 Creative Futures Collective, Soho House, Chicago IL
2024 Chuquimarca Tanda, Tala Gallery, Chicago IL