Mexican American Heritage in Narrative, Cultural, & Mythological Scenes

ON CHIMERAS When we put on a costume, we are transformed and transported into the unknown, unpredictable and magical instances of our undiscovered, wild, and untamed natures. Our imaginations take hold of our profound curiosities and taboos and fears only to let them come out to play and act out. These paintings allowed my imagination to be adventurous by indulging and exaggerating what I experienced in our Mexican cultural festivities. 

Our ancestors held the arts in high regard. I include an array of indigenous symbols from Mexico's past, turning these colorful compositions into narratives that reveal the history, myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs of the Mexica people.

 I'd like to think that I am transcending time by taking us on a mystical journey. And, I wish to remind us of our ancient life practices by keeping our heritage alive on this side of the border.

LOS JARDINES  Childhood expeditions playing in our gardens led me to vivid imaginary travel through exotic lands where flora and fauna were flamboyantly exuberant and enticing and always in the state of evolving into unexpected conditions. The beautiful and unusual forms emit perfumes and nectars to entice birds and insects and allow us to explore its many mysteries.

MADRES   I am addressing the determination and strength of working-class women while honoring their sacred journey, specifically the Latina madres and their children. Como mi Madre, they are champions of survival against what often appears to be relentless toil. They are undervalued and never genuinely appreciated while sacrificing their well-being, needs, and dreams. Las madres persevere against all odds, meeting every challenge without question, complaint, or tear, often with prayers. This is the feminine experience of perseverance because these are “Mujeres con Faldas de Serpientes y Talones de Aguila”.

My objective is to pay homage to the mother-child relationship and portray the positive aspects of the quiet beauty and pride in their hearts in hopes of a better future. 

MADRES   I am addressing the determination and strength of working-class women while honoring their sacred journey, specifically the Latina madres and their children. Como mi Madre, they are champions of survival against what often appears to be relentless toil. They are undervalued and never genuinely appreciated while sacrificing their well-being, needs, and dreams. Las madres persevere against all odds, meeting every challenge without question, complaint, or tear, often with prayers. This is the feminine experience of perseverance because these are “Mujeres con Faldas de Serpientes y Talones de Aguila”.

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My objective is to pay homage to the mother-child relationship and portray the positive aspects of the quiet beauty and pride in their hearts in hopes of a better future. 

TRADICIONES  Lucha Libre, Loteria, Posadas, Piñatas, Quinceñerias, all these forms of entertainment are the backbone of anticipation, community, and gaiety. The Mexican culture is a product of the mix of indigenous practices and traditions with the European colonial presence that strongly impacted all areas of life. 

ENTRE VIDA Y MUERTE  Strong beliefs that the border between the spirit world and the natural world dissolves. During this brief period, the souls of the dead awaken and return to the living world to feast, drink, dance, and play music with their loved ones.

TAMAL-ARTE An installation of over 3000 totomoxtle or corn husks individually made empty tamalitos. It is versatile and modular, creating cascading, flowing musical drapes. Depending on the desired effect, led lights and masks are optional. First shown at Somarts for Dia De Los Muertos in San Francisco, 2018.

Tamal-Arte, an Installation 
maize, raffia, led lights, and paper mache, suspended from the ceiling