About the Artist
As a Mexican-American that grew up in the US and Mexico, I find myself asking questions regarding my place in both societies. As an artist these questions have presented themselves in my paintings. In order to understand these lingering queries and better depict them in my artwork, I attained my MFA degree from Sydney’s National Art School. I researched topics regarding the history of Mexico and the US, and the psychology behind bicultural identity. I continue to explore the concept of Mexican-American biculturalism through the relationship of organic and geometric forms in abstract painting. As a contemporary artist, the act of painting allows me to harness and visually express the complimentary and conflicting worldviews of bicultural identity. The constant travel between Mexico and the US enables me to experience and embrace two cultures: Mexico has given me cultural tradition, history and passion whereas the US provides structure, technique and personal ambition. As a Mexican-American, I both celebrate and struggle with this sense of duality and duplicity. Within biculturalism I research the politics regarding social issues, racism, immigration and cultural assimilation. Abstraction provides a tangible platform to depict my inner juggling of selves while staying true to my identity and ancestry.
Artist Statement
My artwork depicts the concept of Mexican-American biculturalism through the merging and distinction of organic and geometric forms. Through my visual art practice, I magnify the corridors of each of my cultures and the identities tied to each. The exploration of shape and color gradation creates a bridge over the waves of conflict between my American and Mexican cultures allowing a constant dialogue between organic vs geometric, chaos vs order, fiesta vs structure.