Atabey Sánchez-Haiman ’95: Getting curious beyond expectations

Why do you think mindfulness is important in art? 

Becoming aware of social constructs and the hurdles that they unfairly impose on marginalized communities opens up possibilities and opportunities. These obstacles can then be challenged creatively and peacefully from a place of centered, rooted awareness. The fact that communities of color value collectivity is an asset and I want to harness this great skill and invite them to embrace our gifts to start moving society away from its current individualistic, self-centered focus towards a more compassionate, humane, community-oriented direction. Art and mindfulness as activism can be vehicles for personal and societal change.

How has your Brown experience inspired you to realize the possibilities of your career path?

Brown is known for valuing individuality and for encouraging exploration and outside-the-box thinking. This environment is a great place to learn to trust yourself and chart your own path. The Open Curriculum, shopping period at the beginning of the semester to explore different fields of study, the encouragement to dive deep wherever your curiosity takes you, and the possibility of doing research as an undergrad are all factors that contribute to a freedom of exploration that has been a common thread throughout my careers and the way that I approach life. My experience at Brown was greatly enriched by this culture of curiosity.

I was able to work in a lab and earn independent study credits for the research I did there with a wonderful professor and mentor, Ted Goslow. 

Ted guided my learning there for three years and well beyond graduation. He is one of the biggest gifts Brown gave me. Ted respectfully and enthusiastically nurtured my love of learning and has had such a positive impact in my life because he celebrates with genuine enthusiasm and interest every step I have taken throughout my career, and has encouraged me to keep going after setbacks or moments of self-doubt. He is the first person I called when the Brown curator contacted me to commission my work for the Brown Campus Collection because I knew how happy he would be for me and that he would understand how excited I was to have my artwork become part of the University, especially because I trained as a scientist. Who would have imagined that? Somehow at Brown this is not as incongruent as it might seem at first sight. 
 

When students and visitors encounter your new collection in the Stephen Robert ’62 Campus Center, what do you hope they experience?

I hope that the fact that the work is created by a scientist expands their awareness about what is possible beyond graduation in their chosen field. I hope that the fact that the work is created by a Puerto Rican inspires them to appreciate different cultures.

I hope that the fact that the work is created by a woman is acknowledged, as women artists are not yet equally represented in institutions, museums, and public spaces. I hope that the fact that I am a self-taught artist inspires them to explore their own potential and question societal expectations and obstacles. I hope all the differences and uniqueness I bring to inform my work expands their view of who can make art and where it can be displayed. I hope that it will inspire them to trust their own story, their own experiences, that shape them and make them unique. And if they feel inspired to create, in art or science or in any other field, I would say to them to create from the place that speaks to them, from what is inside them, and tune into an inner focus that informs them, instead of focusing on what will get them the approval and validation of others. 

Trusting what emerges is a powerful way to express your creativity. We are a bit jaded by society telling us what we can and cannot do. Getting curious beyond expectations and having fun exploring and being who you are can be very freeing and a meaningful way to live your life.