
Chiva Soriano
Chiva Soriano is a Peruvian-born artist based in New York City. Her artistic journey began long before she realized it, rooted in her childhood spent in her father's shop, where she would spend countless hours playing with tools and meticulously creating intricate sculptures from wire. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her artistic path, which would come to fruition in her late 40s.
In 2019, Chiva took her first formal step into the art world by joining the Art Students League and enrolling in a drawing class. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her artistic education, equipping her with essential skills and knowledge that would serve as the foundation for her creative endeavors.
By 2021, Chiva discovered her profound passion for welding, a medium that resonated deeply within her. Her metalwork blends creativity with skilled craftsmanship, featuring intricate details, dynamic forms, and a powerful sense of movement. Her creations serve as visual narratives that encapsulate her thoughts, experiences, and insights into the world around her.
Before fully committing herself to art, Chiva spent 11 years as a gemologist, immersing herself in the captivating world of diamonds. She also co-founded a self-publishing company, which she successfully managed until 2020, when she decided to wholeheartedly dedicate herself to her artistic pursuits.
Chiva's creativity extends beyond metal sculpture; she explores various mediums, including painting and clay sculpture. Drawing remains a constant practice for her—a foundation that allows her to observe, capture fleeting moments, and explore new ideas. Through unwavering dedication and passion for metal sculpture, Chiva continues to refine her skills and seeks out opportunities to expand her artistic horizons within the art world.
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​Chiva Soriano es una artista nacida en Perú y radicada en la ciudad de Nueva York. Su trayectoria artística comenzó mucho antes de que ella se diera cuenta, arraigada en su infancia pasada en la tienda de su padre. Allí, pasaba innumerables horas jugando con herramientas y creando meticulosamente intrincadas esculturas de alambre. Estas experiencias formativas sentaron las bases de su camino artístico, que se materializaría en su cuarentena.
En 2019, Chiva dio su primer paso formal en el mundo del arte al unirse a la Art Students League y matricularse en una clase de dibujo. Este momento crucial marcó el comienzo de su educación artística, proporcionándole habilidades y conocimientos esenciales que servirían de fundamento para sus esfuerzos creativos.
Para 2021, Chiva descubrió su profunda pasión por la soldadura, un medio que resonaba profundamente dentro de ella. Su trabajo en metal combina creatividad con destreza artesanal, presentando detalles intrincados, formas dinámicas y un poderoso sentido de movimiento. Sus creaciones sirven como narrativas visuales que encapsulan sus pensamientos, experiencias e ideas sobre el mundo que la rodea.
Antes de dedicarse plenamente al arte, Chiva pasó 11 años como gemóloga, sumergiéndose en el cautivador mundo de los diamantes. También cofundó una empresa de auto-publicación, que gestionó con éxito hasta 2020, cuando decidió dedicarse de lleno a sus búsquedas artísticas.
La creatividad de Chiva se extiende más allá de la escultura en metal; explora diversos medios, incluyendo la pintura, la escultura en arcilla. El dibujo sigue siendo una práctica constante para ella, una base que le permite observar, capturar momentos efímeros y explorar nuevas ideas.
A través de una dedicación inquebrantable y una pasión por la escultura en metal, Chiva continúa refinando sus habilidades y busca oportunidades para expandir sus horizontes artísticos dentro del mundo del arte.

Statement
As a metal artist, my artistic evolution has been a journey of discovery and refinement, where experimentation with techniques and materials has shaped my unique voice. From the initial spark of inspiration to the careful execution of each piece, my process involves a thoughtful exploration of form and meaning. I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of metal as an artistic medium. This journey reflects the enduring power of creativity, drawing on a diverse range of ideas and inspirations. Some elements are rooted in the past, inspired by old drawings and childhood memories, while others emerge from new emotions. Through my work, I aim to forge connections through my creations, transforming metal into vessels of emotion that resonate with viewers.
Exhibitions
2025
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Group Exhibition, Metal: "NAWA 135th Annual Exhibition," Leonovich Gallery, New York, NY
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Group Exhibition, Metal: "Women of the Elements," The LIC-A Art Space, LIC, NY
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Group International Exhibition: “Black and White,” Fusion Art - Online
2024
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Group Exhibition, Metal: “Behind The Mask,” Wagner College, Staten Island, NY
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Group Exhibition, Metal: "Spot Light," One TwentyEight, New York, NY
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Group Exhibition, Metal: Merit Scholarship, Phyllis Harriman Mason, New York, NY
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Group Exhibition, Metal: Phyllis Harriman Mason, New York, NY
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Group Exhibition, Metal: "Behind the Mask," Culture Lab LIC, NY
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Group Exhibition, Drawing: Phyllis Harriman Mason, New York, NY
2023
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Group Exhibition, Metal: Phyllis Harriman Mason, New York, NY
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Group Exhibition, Clay: Phyllis Harriman Mason, New York, NY
2022
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Group Exhibition, Metal: Phyllis Harriman Mason, New York, NY
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Group Exhibition, Drawing: Phyllis Harriman Mason, New York, NY
Awards
2025
Artistic Excellence - Traditional Drawing, Fusion Art
2023
Merit Scholarship at the Art Students League, New York, NY
Affiliations
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Sculptors Guild, Member since 2025
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National Association of Women Artists (NAWA), Member since 2025
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Upcoming Residency
2026 Artist Residency
Chateau d’Orquevaux Artists and Writers Residency
Location: Champagne-Ardenne, France
Dates: October 22 - November 4, 2026
Education
2021 - 2025
Fabrication and Sculpture, The Art Students League, New York, NY
2023
Chasing and Repousse, Metal Art Academy, Auburn, CA
2019 - 2023
Figure Study, Studied under Costa Vavagiakis, New York, NY