As a Mexican-American, I have both celebrated and struggled with a sense of duality and duplicity, drawing has allowed me to harness these complimentary and conflicting world views. I learned to lean into my cultural heritage during my MFA studies at the Sydney National Art School. My art is a reflection of this bicultural experience, blending the rich symbolism of Mexican traditions with the techniques and ambition fostered by my American upbringing.
The meticulous drawing process of line work and stippling allows me to create details and textures that bring my artistic visions to life. In my series IN BLOOM, I use these techniques to explore the delicate balance between life and death, nature and structure. The series features skeletons and flowers, symbols that are central to Día de los Muertos. The skeletons represent our ancestors and the ever-present connection to those who came before us, while the flowers symbolize the beauty and vitality of life.
Reinventing the concept of Día de los Muertos through my art has been a deeply personal and transformative experience. I wanted to not only honor this tradition but also bring a fresh perspective. By incorporating both 2D and 3D elements, I aim to blur the lines between different artforms, in the same way that life and death are intertwined in the celebration.
Each piece starts as a detailed drawing. These drawings serve as a blueprint for the sculptural artworks, which are crafted with the same level of detail. The monochromatic B&W palette enhances the details and creates a cohesive and immersive experience. From a distance, it is challenging to distinguish what is 2D vs 3D, inviting viewers to engage closely with the artwork.
IN BLOOM is a celebration of life, death, and identity. It is a reflection of my heritage, my passion for drawing, and my desire to push the boundaries of traditional art forms. Through my artwork, I invite viewers to see the beauty in the details and to appreciate the interconnectedness of life.
Exhibit: IN BLOOM
Concept
IN BLOOM is an exploration of nature, identity, and artistic expression, deeply rooted in my Mexican heritage. The exhibition features large-scale drawings and a unique fusion of 2D and 3D artworks, transforming intricate drawings into sculptures, installations, and reliefs. The goal is to create an immersive exhibition that highlights the balance between 2D and 3D art while maintaining harmony in a B&W composition. IN BLOOM is inspired by Dia de los Muertos (DDLM) tradition. This celebration honors the cycle of life and death and the transient nature of human existence. I offer a new perspective on DDLM by combining skeletons with flowers. The interplay of 2D and 3D elements reflects the duality of life and death. Just as DDLM blurs the lines between the living and the deceased, the installation blends 2D drawings with 3D sculptures. The transition between flat and spatial forms symbolizes the interconnectedness of existence and the continuous cycle of life.
Specifications
Framed drawings: Displayed as a starting point, provide a contrast to the more immersive elements and show an evolution from 2D to 3D.
Central large drawing: Incorporates relief elements that extend out of the 2D plane, blurring the lines between drawing and sculpture.
Floral sculptural reliefs: Hang from the ceiling to create an immersive canopy and draw viewers into the space. Sculptural flowers wrap the gallery pillars to integrate the architecture with the installation.
Skeleton Sculptures: Placed throughout the gallery, brings drawings to the 3D plane.
Monochromatic Palette: 3D art is painted white and drawn on with ink, employing the same stippling and fine line work techniques as the drawings. From a distance it will be difficult to distinguish between 2D and 3D until getting closer.
Objective
To explore the delicate balance between nature and structure, and to challenge perceptions of dimensionality. To celebrate cultural heritage and the beauty of fine details.
