Bio

Cristian J. Roldán Aponte is a professional visual artist, educator, and community advocate who drives positive transformation within Puerto Rican, Latin, and Afro-Puerto Rican communities in Chicago. Specializing in public art, particularly along the iconic Paseo Boricua, Roldán turns everyday urban spaces into powerful cultural landmarks. Besides preserving the cultural heritage, his work amplifies local stories, making them accessible to both, the community and its visitors.

With roots in Juncos, Puerto Rico, and now based in Humboldt Park, Chicago, Roldán’s art is grounded in a deep understanding of his heritage and the challenges faced by the Puerto Rican diaspora. His murals and public installations do more than aestheticizing the public space—they spark crucial conversations around identity, justice, and social change. By applying Paulo Freire’s educational philosophy, Roldán creates art that not only tells a story but empowers viewers to question and reshape the dominant narratives.

Roldán’s collaborative approach ensures that his projects resonate with the local community, reflecting their histories and addressing their concerns. Through his innovative use of public art, he aims to elevate both the cultural and economic value of the neighborhoods he works in. His leadership in empowering emerging artists further strengthens the cultural landscape, positioning him as a figure in preserving Puerto Rican identity while creating future opportunities for growth and dialogue.

Creative Process

The genesis of my creative process is ‘discomfort’. Inspiration emerges by questioning the status quo, and imagining an alternative reality. His work speaks to the desire to understand, codify, and reconstruct social narratives, to reveal society as a social construct constantly changing, and to preserve the collective memory in the diaspora. Once the narrative and idea emerges, with each trace, the creation becomes a problem in constant evolution with each trace, brushstrokes, and layers over layers of paint. The image starts mutating with the ideas. First is a blank surface, later is a doodle. Then, after a while, the piece begins getting shape, little by little. It’s then when I leave everything and rework it the next day.

Artist’s Public Artwork Statement

Drawing inspiration from Paulo Freire’s philosophy, Roldán’s work uses art as a tool for critical reflection and dialogue. His approach transforms public spaces into learning environments where diverse stories come to life through imagery—turning walls into powerful counter-narratives that challenge mainstream media depictions of marginalized communities. These visual pieces do more than decorate; they ignite conversations that extend beyond words, deeply reaffirming community values.

As both an artist and facilitator, Roldán creates spaces for communities to reshape their own narratives, allowing them to see themselves in a collective visual language. His creative process is rooted in collaboration, where the community’s voices lead the way before the art takes form. This approach is fluid, and while murals are a primary medium, Roldán embraces diverse forms of expression.

For Roldán, art is a catalyst for change, not an end in itself. It’s a powerful vehicle for raising awareness and challenging entrenched narratives, especially for those overlooked by mainstream discourse. Public art, in this context, becomes a platform for reclaiming identity, questioning inherited histories, and asserting one’s place in the broader human story. His mission is to reshape how we understand culture, history, and community by reimagining the visual landscape, giving voice to those who have been silenced.