When we connected over Zoom in late September, artist Manuela Solano welcomed me in her club attire: a white leather jacket with fringe, a white crop top, white hot pants, and a custom white leather harness designed to hold her white cane when not in use. It was a striking ensemble, though she wasn’t actually heading out to a club that evening. Instead, the outfit served as a statement—a glimpse into her vibrant life in Berlin, which she built from scratch as a blind trans woman new to the city.
This zest for life became a recurring theme in our conversation. Solano, 38, originally from Mexico but living in Berlin since 2019, is preparing for her biggest solo museum exhibition yet at Museo Tamayo in Mexico City. Titled “Alien Queen / Paraíso Extraño,” the show (running from October 9 to January 4) features over 30 large acrylic paintings of queer and pop icons from the 1990s and 2000s, both real and imagined. Figures like Cher, Sinead O’Connor, and Marge Simpson, as well as scenes from films such as Alien and The NeverEnding Story, are recreated from memory in vivid detail. Solano selected each subject for its personal and cultural significance, making the portraits almost conceptual in nature.
Solano lost her sight over a decade ago due to an HIV-related infection, but she never stopped painting. With the help of studio assistants, she developed a technique using pipe cleaners and string nailed to the canvas to create tactile outlines. Over the years, her work has evolved. Some pieces feature words or phrases, like “Is this your first time here, sweetie?” from her 2024 series Blind, Transgender and Wild. Others are gentle depictions of birds or her family. Earlier this year, a gallery show in Madrid showcased five large self-portraits exploring different facets of her identity, reflecting the idea that none of us is defined by just one thing.
Her output has been remarkable in recent years. She was part of the 2018 New Museum Triennial and had major solo exhibitions at ICA Miami and Dundee Contemporary Arts in Scotland. Her work is held in the collections of the Guggenheim, ICA Miami, and Pérez Museum Miami.
But the Tamayo show is particularly meaningful. Most of the pieces have never been shown publicly. “It feels unreal,” Solano shared. “Seven years ago, when I started painting Alien Queen without any specific plan, juggling other projects, I dreamed of exhibiting at the Tamayo museum but told myself it would never happen. And now here we are. I’m shocked, in a good way.”
Before the opening, we talked about Karen O fan art, insights gained from creating as a blind person, and why discovering clubbing felt like “a baptism.” Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Manuela Solano, Mónica Naranjo, 2019.
Vogue: What inspired the title “Alien Queen / Paraíso Extraño”?
Manuela Solano: The Alien movies have been almost sacred to me since childhood, so I decided to paint the Alien Queen. I was drawn to those two words, along with “paraíso extraño,” which comes from a song by Spanish pop singer Mónica Naranjo. “Alien Queen” represents something otherworldly yet majestic and powerful, while “paraíso extraño” (meaning “strange paradise”) describes an experience or state of being that’s unusual yet blissful. Now, as the show nears its opening, I’d say it’s largely about my exuberance, joy, drive, energy, and passion for life. But it’s also about much more. These pop culture figures reflect traits we all share, not just me.
Are these pop culture figures you grew up with?It’s a mix. Many of them were very meaningful to me as a child, like Karen O. The final painting we completed for this exhibition was “Karen O’s Hands or Maps.” As a teen, I was a huge fan of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I saw them perform live in Mexico City in 2005 and constantly sketched her in my notebooks. Later, there was a fan contest to design a flag, and my submission was included in the booklet for their second album. A few months after that, during my first semester of college, I designed a cereal box called “Karen O’s” for a digital illustration class. I took a photo and emailed it to an address I found on the band’s website, not expecting anything to come of it. But a few weeks later, the band’s PR person emailed me saying Karen O loved it and wanted to feature it on her blog. As an 18-year-old art student and fan, that felt like a huge moment—realizing my art could connect people. Now, 20 years later, that painting captures that same inspiration.
There are also figures in the show like Christina Aguilera, Pink, and even televangelist Jan Crouch, who I never imagined would resonate with me. But then an idea for a painting of them pops into my head and sticks, like how amusing it would be to display a painting of Christina Aguilera from the “Dirrty” video in a museum. The thought just tickles me, and since humor often leads to good art, I create the painting and later understand why it appealed to me. With Christina Aguilera, I recently realized in a conversation with a friend how much I relate to that persona now—like her, I’m out dancing in a jockstrap, sweaty and gritty, every Saturday night.
As for the mood of these paintings, they all have a serious side. At first glance, they might seem irreverent, but as I explore my connection to these characters, I develop a deep respect for them. They’re not nostalgic either; instead, they’re celebratory and triumphant. These aren’t just portraits of the figures; they’re also self-portraits and, I believe, reflections of all of us. They mirror our ambitions, desires, humor, and fears. So, rather than dwelling on the past, these paintings feel very much alive.
Did I always want to be an artist? Yes, though my childhood career aspirations changed often. Being an artist was one of them, and people told me from a young age that I’d become one. At one point, I wanted to be a marine biologist, like every other kid. But what I do now is the same as what I did back then—expressing myself through painting and drawing.
Regarding my current painting process, I needed to rely on touch instead of sight. So, years ago, I began experimenting with materials I could apply to the canvas and feel. However, I wanted them to remain paintings, not sculptures, so I used elements that could be removed. Initially, the canvas was on standard stretchers, but the nails holding the string or pipe cleaner outlines kept wobbling and falling out since they weren’t secured through anything substantial.than the fabric. That’s why I began stretching my canvases right on the wall—there has to be a solid surface behind them for the nails to grip. It’s also the reason I paint with my fingertips rather than brushes. This way, I can sense exactly how much paint I’m applying and have better control over the forms.
Is there something about creating art as a blind person that you wish more people understood?
What immediately comes to mind is that art resides within us. Art isn’t just the painting you see; it’s the effect that painting has on you and the inner experience that led me to create it. People often overlook this, focusing only on what’s visible. But the real artwork is the intention behind it and the response it evokes in you. Being blind has made that clear to me. I could go on about accessibility in the art world and beyond, as well as misconceptions about disability—there’s enough to fill books. There’s always a need for greater access to information, and I’ve always aimed to challenge those misunderstandings. I wish more individuals and institutions would pay closer attention to their audiences with disabilities.
Manuela Solano, Alien Queen, 2019.
And Berlin, where you’ve lived for six years—what’s your life like there?
Here’s another common misconception about blind people. That’s why I’m wearing this. [Solano stands up to display her all-white clubbing outfit.] This outfit is for the club. I started going out a few years ago. Before that, I felt really frustrated because I longed to be part of the Berlin you always hear about—the parties, the wild adventures. Even though I have many friends, I often found myself alone at home. Then one time, my brother Danny was visiting, and we were both hungover, bored, and depressed in the middle of winter. I said, “Forget it, we’re going out. Get ready—we’re heading to Berghain.” He asked, “How are we going to get in?” I told him, “I’ll handle it, don’t worry.” So we went to Berghain, had a drink, and for the first time, I realized how much I could perceive about a space just by listening. After finishing my drink, I told Danny, “Okay, I’m going dancing.” He offered to guide me to the dance floor, but I wanted to try on my own. I stood up, unfolded my white cane, and walked toward the crowd. Soon, I was surrounded by people who weren’t walking but moving—dancing. So I folded up my cane, clipped it to my waist, and everyone around was amazed, asking, “Wait, are you really blind?” That moment changed everything. I started going out almost every weekend after that. It was like a baptism. I discovered a side of myself I never knew existed: outgoing, lively, fiery, feisty, and fun-loving. That’s how I fell in love with Berlin.
That’s wonderful. It sounds like people were surprised.
People are always surprised, asking things like, “Oh, you go out? Who takes care of you?” I take care of myself. The club takes care of me. I’ve learned that there’s always someone willing to help if I need it. Berlin is a city that celebrates individuality. In some ways, that’s a downside because it can make you feel isolated, but in other ways, it’s a great thing. For me, with my disability, it’s been especially helpful. Here, even though I’m blind and transgender, I don’t feel out of place anywhere. I can go out alone, spend eight hours at a club, and do whatever I want. I’m truly grateful for that, and I try to reflect that freedom in both my daily life and my work.
“Manuela Solano: Alien Queen / Paraíso Extraño” will be on display at Museo Tamayo in Mexico City from October 9, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Artist Manuela Solanos Largest Exhibition Celebrates Pop Icons designed with clear natural questions and direct answers
General Information
Q Who is Manuela Solano
A Manuela Solano is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant largescale paintings that reimagine famous pop culture figures and icons
Q What is the name of this exhibition and where is it
A The exhibition is titled Pop Icons Reimagined Youll need to check the latest announcements for the specific gallery or museum location as it may be traveling
Q How long will the exhibition be open
A Exhibition dates vary Please check the official website of the hosting gallery for the exact opening and closing dates
Q Do I need to buy tickets in advance
A Its highly recommended especially for popular exhibitions Check the venues website for ticket purchasing options and to see if timed entry is required
About the Artwork
Q What kind of Pop Icons does she feature in her work
A She features a wide range of icons from classic movie stars like Marilyn Monroe to modern music legends like David Bowie and contemporary influencers
Q What is her artistic style
A Solanos style is a blend of pop art and hyperrealism She uses bold bright colors and intricate details to create striking often largerthanlife portraits that feel both familiar and new
Q Are the artworks paintings photographs or something else
A The core of this exhibition is largescale acrylic and oil paintings on canvas She may also incorporate mixed media elements
Q What is the main message or theme of this exhibition
A The exhibition explores the nature of fame celebrity and our collective memory It asks us to look again at the faces we think we know and see the humanity and artistry behind the icon
For Visitors
Q Is this exhibition suitable for children
A Yes the vibrant and recognizable subjects are generally very engaging for children However its always best to preview the artwork online to ensure it aligns with your familys preferences
Q Are there guided tours available
A Most major exhibitions offer guided tours audio guides or curator talks Inquire directly with the gallery or check their event schedule for specific