Gianna Paniagua

Gianna Paniagua was born in New York City in 1991.  At the age of 14 months, she was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and became the recipient of a heart transplant at Babies & Children’s Hospital of New York.  Much of her time growing up was split between the cities of Manhattan and Miami. She has attended classes for painting at both Carnegie Mellon University and The New School: Altos de Chavon in the Dominican Republic.  Gianna received her BA from the University of Pittsburgh in April 2013. In her senior exhibition, she received The Dean’s Award as well as an award allowing her to loan The Hillman Library her piece titled “Flesh and Bone.”  Gianna’s papercutting sculptures have created a following in the Pittsburgh art scene.  In December, she participated in two shows during Miami Art Basel.  Her works continue to evolve and grow as she gains new experiences.