Growing up queer and feminine lead itself to criticism, bullying and even sexual abuse. I overcame these traumatic experiences by using my expansive imagination through Art, which facilitated a safe space from reclusion and for healing. Art allowed me to take imaginary flight and create dreamscapes with characters that became my guardians and friends. “La Mariposa” became one of those guardians. In the work, the butterfly is reclaimed from a derogatory referent towards queer folxs to one of empowerment. The butterfly also acts as a symbol of transformative energy which allowed me to escape my reality and fly over those dreamscapes. As a child, Art became a language that was used to represent emotional distress as well as aims of aspirations for a better future-self. “Creando Arco Iris - A Guide to a Young Me” becomes an affirmation to a young me, that queerness is beautiful and that I am resilient.
As an adult, I reflect on those experiences to talk about the intersections of identity, sexuality, culture and hxstory. When I create my work the building blocks allow me to deconstruct systems that hindered my freedom of expression as a queer child. My work leaves layers of the process of building the images visible, exposing the struggles and adjustments made to them to get to the point of harmony. I believe in the healing power of art, and hope that my art is able to help others as I heal myself.
As an adult, I reflect on those experiences to talk about the intersections of identity, sexuality, culture and hxstory. When I create my work the building blocks allow me to deconstruct systems that hindered my freedom of expression as a queer child. My work leaves layers of the process of building the images visible, exposing the struggles and adjustments made to them to get to the point of harmony. I believe in the healing power of art, and hope that my art is able to help others as I heal myself.