Bio
Michael Pribich is a visual artist living in New York City with his wife artist Esperanza Cortes. He was born and raised in Northern California. He is interested in the artist's role in advancing ideas that lead to continual growth and change. His work uses labor to address themes of displacement and migration in both a rural and urban settings. He explores the idea that labor can be viewed as cultural production, resulting in an expanded social space.

He has participated in exhibitions and artist residencies throughout the USA, Mexico, Europe, and India. Recent Projects include the exhibition Backstitch at Verge Center for the Arts, this was part of the Ali Youssefi Residency in Sacramento. He has completed public art projects with the Public Works Departments in Sacramento and Woodland, California. He has received a Pollock Krasner Award, and a Fulbright Award recommendation.

Work Statement. I use the subject of labor in my art to look at social conditions of all kinds. The awful ache I feel when reminded of the dehumanized treatment of workers and human beings anywhere in the world pushes my art practice. I use labor as a starting point, but my interest overlaps both the mistreatment, and, the contributions of humans anywhere. My core belief is that in recognizing labor as cultural production there becomes an expanded social space.

I continue this work because I want to participate and contribute to the times I live in. Part of my process is to look behind in order to see the future ahead. This interest comes from my own family history with grandparents on both sides working as immigrant laborers. My Mother’s father was employed as a farm worker and cannery worker after relocating from Chihuahua, Mexico.

This year 2020 a dubious yet remarkable swing has occurred placing Essential Workers from the margins of society closer to the center in terms of recognition, production, and hierarchy. During the Covid Pandemic Essential Workers are given greater attention because of the necessary services they provide, and for their vulnerability to the virus. It is no mystery that communities of color are the disproportionate victims of the pandemic.