Cristell Vargas
(b. 1994)
Cristell Vargas is a Dominican-American fiber artist currently residing in Austin, Texas. Her work explores the human themes of identity, memory, and growth as well as themes originating in nature like asymmetry, cohesion, and gradation. These themes are encapsulated and explored through sculptural textiles and hand-built forms. Cristell constructs pieces using techniques learned from handling, dyeing, and burning various fiber materials. Using layered fabrics, stitching, and dimensional embellishments, she transforms soft materials into objects that feel both intimate and monumental. Cristell has been producing works since 2014.
Artistic Approach
Flowers, vessels, and the human form appear throughout her work as symbols of growth, inheritance, and resilience. The materials used — recycled fabric fragments, thread, beads, and stitched surfaces — reflect traditions of handcraft that have long been part of women’s creative labor historically overlooked in fine art spaces.
As a first-generation Dominican American, Cristell views textiles as a means of language. Each piece captures a moment of personal history, cultural inheritance, and contemporary sculpture. Cristell works fabrics by hand using natural dyes, burning, and weaving to restore life in otherwise discarded pieces. With her explicit choice in color, texture, and form, Cristell aims to create work honoring and resembling the complexity and beauty of the feminine identity.
Let’s Stay in Touch!
Follow Cristell on her social media. Cristell accepts commissions for pieces as well as gallery showings. Contact cristellsmarket@gmail.com for more information. Pricing flexible and based upon client requests and piece complexity.
