Past Works
2019 Digital Media
2019 Digital Media
2019 Digital Media
Pucara Bull 2019
Spirit Dragon 2020
Koi Fish Illustration 2020
Untitled 2019
Commissioned Restaurant Logo 2020
Sketches
I will be illustrating my work using photoshop and illustrator and then later printing on an 18"x24" poster print. My work will feature three parts: one talking about the pressures of growing up as a first-gen American citizen, the second talking about difficult situations Hispanic families are put in like deportations and roles that first-gen children put themselves in for the sake of their family, and the third part of the piece will be a tribute and respect to my cultural background and family.
"Para Una Vida Mejor" - For a Better Life
"Hasta Pronto" - Until Next Time
"Para Unir Nuestras Familias" - To Unite Our Families
Part 1 "To unite our families" Chakay "To Bridge"
Part 2 "For a Better Life"
Part 3 "Until Next Time"
Final Images
"Para Una Vida Mejor" - For a Better Life
"Hasta Pronto" - Until Next Time
"Para Unir Nuestras Familias" - To Unite Our Families
Incan History/Mythology Research
The Incan Trilogy (Condor, puma, Snake) - They are also known as the three holy animals of Peru. The Condor represents the upper world and is considered sacred. In Incan mythology, the condor was seen as the messenger between the gods and humans of the middle earth. It was also thought to carry the dead on its wings to the afterlife. There are also stories about the condor helping lost people find their way. The Puma - represents the middle world (the world of the living) It is a symbol of power and strength. The Incas built the city Cusco frame in the shape of the pumas head. The Snake - represents the underworld (world of the dead) It also symbolizes wisdom, knowledge and the beginning of new life.
The Incan Cross (Andean Cross, Chakana) - Chakana is based on the word "chakay" which means "to cross" or "to bridge" It symbolizes the dynamic between the universe and the life it contains. The four corners represent the four cities that made up the Incan Empire with the center being the capital, Cusco. Used in decorations, buildings, embroidery, jewelry, etc. It also represents the southern cross constellation which was thought to be the center of the universe by the Incans. There is more significance to the Chakana Cross click here for more info.
Incan Gods/Goddesses - Viracocha is the creator god. Created the heavens, sun, moon, and all living beings. Inti is the sun god. Incan emperors would put large feathers into their crowns to simulate they belonged to Inti and have the knowledge to reign. Inti is portrayed as a golden sun disk. The Goddesses Pachamama is the earth goddess, associated with seasons, fertility, and harvesting. Her form embodies the mountains and she was also known to cause earthquakes. She has her own power to sustain life on earth. The Incans believed problems arose from the earth when people were taking too much of nature. There are many more than just three deities to learn more click the link- Gods and Goddesses.
Peruvian Textiles - Peruvian textiles were given as gifts. They tell stories of the artisan and their natural environment. It is a way to pass down traditions and knowledge. The different layers of the textiles have meanings, even representing where the artisan and their families are from. For more info on the symbols and meanings going into these textiles click the link.
Rising Artists Influencers
During my research, it was important to me that I find rising Hispanic/Latinx artists that showcased Hispanic culture. With their art, they bring the festivities, food, and mythology connecting them with a symbolic bond that exists in each aspect of their culture. A lot of the color choices, compositions, and the use of symmetry bring an uplifting spirit to the work. The artist featured here are Raul Urias, Orlando Arocena, Gerardo Muniz, Luis Pinto, and Ernesto Yerena.
Raul Urias "Madre Tierra"
Orlando Arocena "La Visa de Mexicano"
Gerardo Muniz "Calevera"
Luis Pinto "Los Jaguares"
Ernesto Yerena "Liberation"
Period Influences and Historical/Contemporary Artists
With my historical and contemporary artist, I started with the one that always interested me at the beginning of my college career. Hiroshige and Hokusai woodblock prints. Their work involved making these landscapes and these portrayals for people who could not travel be able to see but also not adding every detail. They explore different viewpoints that show the different aspects of the land and travel. The art nouveau movement was set in mind to stray away from the traditional historical/classical styles. With the art nouveau movement, I am particularly more connected with decorative, commercial posters, and advertisements. These works would sometimes add chromolithography and evoke the energy of modern life. Andy Warhol's “Marilyn Diptych” was able to capture the two different sides of Marilyn, using a simplified image of Marilyn. He has the graphic quality of his work without it being for commercial use. Shepard Fairey is one that is not afraid to talk about social issues in his art. His art can create conversations and have people impacted emotionally.
Hokusai
Hiroshige
From the Art Nouveau movement
Art Nouveau movement
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol "Marilyn Diptych"
Shepard Fairey
Shepard Fairey
Articles that support my artist concept
http://magazine.art21.org/2016/06/20/latinoa-art-race-and-the-illusion-of-equality/#.YDvV2WhKhPY - This brings up a good point questioning the diversity of the art world. It's not by accident that when a person thinks of a Latinx artist the first one that comes to mind is Frida Kahlo or images of Day of the Dead. Looking back into my art history I can only recall art from western white artists or white Europeans with the exception of Picasso (though I have no interest in his art) I always questioned why we never looked at artists from different parts of the world, Japanese woodblock prints, ceramic artforms from the Mayan civilization. Why weren't classes offered or just discussions about this in general? Personally, I never brought it up because it didn't seem like anyone else was questioning the matter.
https://www.communitypsychology.com/effects-of-deportation-on-families-communities/ - This article reminded me of warnings communities were giving out for immigration raids happening in the Louisville area, that I would pick up groceries in my place of my mother because there was a warning of an immigration raid happening near the Churchill Down area. I imagined scenarios that someone would tip off I.C.E and they would be at my parent's doorstep, or that I would get a phone call from my siblings that I.C.E was arresting my parents. The forced roles that family members have to pick up and the psychological impacts that it has on families is real and serious.
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2011/5/2/jane-parents-undocumented-children/ - Having fear over the government is a real thing that not everyone can understand or empathize with. It can cause kids to be behind and parents to not take opportunities for fear of being exposed and deported. I have personally been in situations like these and know firsthand how much it can affect a child's development in the education system.
https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2019/12/20/what-first-generation-working-class-latinx-student-wishes-shed-known-she-went - This article explains some points that I personally experienced in my college career and with myself. It explains issues that a first-gen, working-class Latinx student (like myself) could experience or is experiencing during their college career. I have been taught to put my family's needs over myself, putting loyalty to them over my own and in turn, didn't realize how that has affected me growing up since I took on this role that I needed to protect my family.
