Artist Statement
My artistic practice centers on Hispanic/Latino culture. As a first generation Argentinian American my parents instilled in me a deep connection to our culture, which has always been a central part of our home. Castellano, my first language, holds a special significance in my life, shaping my identity and how I express myself differently than I do in English. I create using the visual dialogue cultural metaphors that reflect my intimate experiences within and outside my home. Heirlooms, ceramic objects, maté, and other cherished gifts passed down to me have a consistent presence in my life. The artifacts that are in my artworks represent characteristics of different family members.
The symbolism in my artwork is similar in certain aspects to those that Louise Bourgeois uses. For instance, the spider sculptures are a representation of her mother’s strength, resilience, and nurturing qualities. Similarly, I reference teapots to embody my mother’s warmth and nurturing presence, and maté to symbolize my father, reflecting his roots and traditions. These objects hold personal and cultural significance, serving as vessels for memory, connection, and identity. The teacup motif represents myself, drawing a parallel to how Van Gogh represented himself as a chair in Van Gogh's Chair. This metaphorical approach allows me to explore how objects can reflect certain facets of our personalities and roles within the lives of other family members. My artwork becomes a narrative where each piece is a visual dialogue about memory, connection, and the legacy of those closest to me.
I reveal idiosyncratically the delicate and often painful relationship between personal identity and my family ties. Those constructs include generational relationships with my mother, father, grandparents and other family members. Through this iconography, I reflect on the intricate interplay between personal identity and family bonds and in doing so I unravel a deeper narrative that keeps these connections alive to my heritage. Through my work, I strive to amplify the voices of first-generation Latinos/Hispanics preserving and reflecting heritage. My art invites viewers into a deeply personal, yet universally resonant on memory, connection, and legacy. I pursue these metaphors/ideas across various media such as paintings, sculptures, printmaking, and charcoal; each offering a different lens.
