Unsung heroes (2014)

The focus of my artwork continues to center around the idea of struggle in America today. My work is reflective of my beliefs of identity - the struggle to define and debunk who we are (Mexican, American, Chicanxs, Latinxs, Immigrants, people of this land, human beings), along with the boxes we have been put into either by mainstream media and/or the current president of the United States of America (and/or people that he represents).

The people represented in my paintings are hard workers, people who hold this country together, some of them do jobs others wouldn’t do; they represent my family, your family, our ancestors and the foundation of this country. My ultimate goal is to invoke the viewer to find both a universal and personal connection to the artwork, for the viewer to recognize their own privileges and how their ancestors (ultimately who were immigrants to this country) contributed to the history of America.

My work is often inspired by political tension in America along with the tools and the people who work in this country. I often create work about the food that is shared in this country by Latinos –specifically food cart vendors. Food is a symbol of care and a way to share culture; it is meant to invite others and give nostalgia. Food is a representation of identity; identity is what gives us purpose.