Michael Vasquez, also known as VASQMIC, is a print media and digital artist currently based in Portland Oregon. Originally from the Bay Area in California, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from Portland State University, and is currently in the process of moving to Philadelphia to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking at Tyler School of Art + Architecture at Temple University.

Artist Statement

Michael’s printmaking practice focuses on building community specifically within marginalized groups. Teaching within the Portland State University Graphic Design program, he has been able to lead and mentor a cohort of BIPOC students through community-based events, workshops, and meetings, giving them more opportunities to grow and develop, both as individuals and as artists. Workshops have primarily surrounded printmaking, specifically, screenprinting and risograph, creating a variety of printed ephemera from protest posters to merch and apparel.

Outside of this, Michael’s design and printmaking style focuses on retelling Queer & BIPOC narratives in print format, primarily zines and prints. These stories are ones that help highlight the beauty and power of the Queer Experience, and advocates for the preservation of stories and lives that have been lost to time. Lately, Michael has been experimenting with corporeal figures and how family heritage and trauma affects body image.

Michael’s work has primarily been featured in, rather than official art exhibitions, more local and underground facets. He has done work for many local Portland-based Drag Artists, promoting their shows via poster & social media format in an effort to drive traffic to local bars rather than chains, fostering community for local queer artists and businesses.