Erika NJ Allen, a Guatemalan-born artist, and first-generation college graduate, holds a BFA in photography from the Art Academy of Cincinnati and an MFA in Ceramics from Cranbrook Following a transformative hysterectomy in 2019, Erika reshaped her artistic focus by using clay to intricately replicate the fruits and vegetables that played a crucial role in her recovery.
Her creations, blurring the line between authenticity and artifice, symbolize the coexistence of decay and permanence, reflecting both her body and medical implants.
Erika has exhibited her work nationwide, earned recognition through emerging artists fellowships, participated in various residencies, and most recently completed an artist-in-residence program at the prestigious Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts.
After spending some time away pursuing her dreams, she is joyfully back home in Cincinnati, OH.
