Manny Valdez of Downtown Los Angeles on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Manny Valdez. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Manny, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I feel called to step into curating art shows as my next venture. I want to highlight artists whose practices move beyond the repetitive expectations of the traditional gallery landscape. So much of the art world still relies on the same white-wall formulas, and I’m excited to explore new ways viewers can truly engage with the work–not just passively see it on a wall. Many of the artists I want to feature are friends and peers who have shaped my creative journey, and I’m committed to bringing our work into community spaces where it can connect more directly with people. Curating in this way allows me to uplift voices I believe in while reimagining how art can live, breathe, and be experienced.
Speaking of curating art shows–I’ll be making my curatorial debut on January 24th, 2026, at the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center in West Hollywood, from 4-7PM. It’s a one day exhibition called “No Paintings, No Drawings, No Ceramics”, featuring objects, installations, video, and performance–work that shifts away from traditional forms and invites people to question, explore and be curious.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Manny Valdez. I am a Mexican American artist from San Bernardino, California, and I currently live and work in Downtown Los Angeles. I am a multidisciplinary artist and I explore ideas of power, authority, and identity often through humor, subversion, and a fictional character I created named Principal Brownman. I like to use familiar imagery to talk about uncomfortable truths, especially regarding power dynamics with race and desire. What makes my work unique is that it moves between object-making, photography, performance, and installation, always blurring the line between fantasy and critique. At its core, my work is about how we perform power and what that performance exposes about who we really are.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I recently received my MFA from Otis College of Art and Design, and the faculty there taught me the most about my work. They encouraged me to find my authentic voice and to not overthink the process–just to keep making, experimenting, and letting the work lead the way. They pushed me to constantly reflect on my practice: where do I see it existing, and do I want it to stand out or blend in with what everyone else is doing? That guidance helped me take risks, embrace weirdness, and keep my practice alive and evolving.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been moments when I wanted to give up. Being an artist isn’t easy–there’s no reliable income, and there’s this constant tension between wanting to be liked, wanting to be included in shows, and wanting your work to matter. Rejection comes so often that it can make you question whether the effort is worth it. I’ve felt that frustration, the self-doubt, the temptation to step away entirely. But I’ve realized that creating is something I can’t stop doing. It’s not about approval anymore; it’s about exploring my ideas fully, taking risks, and staying true to my voice. Even when the path feels uncertain, even when no one else notices, that commitment to making work is what keeps me going.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think the biggest lie that the art industry tells itself is that it’s purely merit-based. Theres’s this idea that talent, hard work, and vision are all you need to succeed, but the reality is much messier. Success often depends on connections, timing, trends, and whether your work fits into what’s already recognised or “marketable.” Galleries, collectors, and institutions sometimes reward familiarity over risk, which can make it feel like the system is stacked against anyone who doesn’t conform. That said, I don’t see it as hopeless–I think it just means you have to carve your own path, trust your instincts, and commit to creating work that feels authentic. The truth is that making meaningful art is never about following the rules; it’s about taking risks, staying true to your voice, and finding your audience on your own terms.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I love this question! I feel most at peace in the quiet moments in the morning–right after I wake up and sit down with my first cup of coffee. It’s my little “señora ritual” before the day starts: the world is still calm, nothing is happening yet, and I can exist for a few minutes. It’s grounding, it gives me clarity, and honestly…it’s the one moment where I feel like I’ve got my life together, even if just for ten minutes.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyivaldez