Statement

My work addresses social conflict and violence as reflections of unchecked power within American culture. By juxtaposing violence and humor, I highlight the intricate realities of cultural identity, framing it against the historical context of violence in modern America, particularly along the southern border. I reference medieval Christian art, 18th-century Colonial Spanish Casta paintings, cartoons, and comic books to depict fictional encounters at the Mexican-American border while critiquing Anglo-Saxon dominance. In shaping my identity as an artist, I engage in dialogues about mortality, capturing the experience of being a contemporary artist from the border who creates in New York City. I also consider how art can serve as a vital response to political violence, offering a means of reflection and resilience.