ABOUT

MIGUEL ANGEL TORRES VEGA // MIGZ

ARTIST STATEMENT:

My work always begins as an experiment—a playful exploration driven by curiosity. Whether it’s the excitement of working with unfamiliar materials or finding unexpected ways to use familiar tools, this childlike sense of discovery draws me into the creative process.

As I create, the initial experimentation gives way to a meditative state. I enter a flow where I become fully immersed, almost unconsciously engaging with the work. Hours pass effortlessly as I lose myself in the moment, merging with the process in a way that feels both freeing and grounding.

At its core, my work is rooted in observational art. Drawing from life—whether figurative works, portraits, or still life—allows me to capture light, energy, and the essence of what I see. It’s not merely about reproducing a likeness but about embedding the experience of seeing into the paper or canvas. Lately, I’ve been drawn to portraiture, where the gaze conveys an emotional depth that transcends surface details. Through my work, I aim to present how I see: the fragmented snapshots my eye captures, the connections my mind makes, and the culmination of these impressions into my experience of a person or moment.

ARTIST BIO:

Miguel Torres, known professionally as MIGZ, is a multifaceted artist and educator based in New York City. Since 2013, he has served as an art educator in the NYC public school system, with his teaching career beginning in 2006 as a special education teacher. Miguel’s dedication to education reflects his belief in art as a transformative tool for self-expression and community connection, particularly for young, multilingual learners.

Born and raised in North Amityville, NY, Miguel brings a rich educational background to his teaching and artistic practice. He holds a BFA in Graphic Design from SUNY Purchase, an M.S. in Teaching from Long Island University, and a Graduate Certificate in Art History from Lindenwood University.

Miguel began his journey in portrait and figure art in 1998 while studying life drawing as part of the illustration program at the Fashion Institute of Technology. This foundational experience ignited a lifelong passion for capturing the human form and the emotional depth of his subjects. In 2012, he expanded his artistic practice to include tattoo artistry, blending his academic approach to portraiture with the dynamic and permanent medium of ink. His current body of work reflects an evolution toward academic execution infused with modern conceptualism. Miguel’s art has been showcased in prestigious venues, including Lincoln Center and the Hammer Museum, underscoring his commitment to presenting art that is both accessible and profound.

Rooted in observational art, Miguel infuses the practice of mindfulness into his work, employing various methods to highlight and focus on the subtle and mundane. By drawing attention to the overlooked details of everyday life, he challenges viewers to see the world in a deeper, more intentional way. This approach not only enhances the emotional depth of his pieces but also invites a meditative experience for both artist and audience. 

Through his dual roles as an artist and educator, Miguel remains committed to nurturing creativity and curiosity in others while pursuing his own artistic journey with passion and integrity.