Artist Statement + Bio
My body of work combines both two-dimensional and three-dimensional elements that explore identity by investigating human forms and Peruvian culture. Primarily using charcoal or graphite, I freeze a moment in time of my subjects, including myself. My recent self-portrait work focuses on branches of identity, such as a warped body image, which has helped me to overcome this issue. By applying non-traditional media or non-conventional methods, I capture moments in my life when I struggle with how I present myself to the world, or my inner conflicts. The focus of these pieces is mark-making as a form of personal expression, and the juxtaposition is key in revealing layers that toy with perception.
Meanwhile, my cultural pieces focus on my roots and reconnect me to my heritage as an immigrant in the US. To celebrate my heritage, I’ve made portraits that focus on Peruvian culture and the daily life of the Indigenous peoples living in the Sierra region. I aim to portray these thriving individuals connected to my ancestors in a positive light and move away from exoticism. Mixed media involving fabric and papercutting is used to add texture and dimension to these realistic portraits. The collage effects highlight the symbolism of Andean patterns and Peru’s landscapes while bringing attention to the richness of Peruvian clothing and its story. In addition, my three-dimensional cultural work celebrates Peruvian food as a powerful connector for families that transcends borders. It reflects on the dissonance immigrants feel when cultural experiences cannot be fully recreated abroad by juxtaposing authentic elements with “fake” pieces. At the same time, I wish to create a sense of pride and solidarity among my audience who identify with the same heritage while also inviting non-Peruvian viewers into the discussion.
Born in Peru and raised primarily in the United States, my experiences as an immigrant continue to shape both my artistic practice and my perspective on education. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts from George Mason University and later pursued my Master’s degree in Art Education there as well. Throughout my artistic journey, I worked on commissioned portraiture while also supporting young learners through tutoring. These experiences strengthened my desire to become an educator. As both an artist and future teacher, I strive to create work that reflects themes of identity while encouraging others to explore their own stories. I hope to guide my future students in embracing their identities, celebrating their cultural backgrounds, and feeling empowered to express themselves through art.
