ARTWORK

Untitled (2006) symbolically addresses different cultural influences in my life as a Mexican American that were sometimes contradictory. The cardboard is ephemeral and utilitarian in nature and stands in sharp contrast to the classic form of an oil painting on panel. The skeleton is my way of embracing my visual culture and the legacy of Jose Guadalupe Posada, while the cow represents my family’s connection to the agricultural and farming communities that has been central to our lives. I wanted to make a piece that celebrated my heritage and at the same time addressed our complexity.