Everyone has a story to be told and their stories are significant. On a daily basis we all have moments in our lives where we are interacting and interconnecting with each other. Feeling included in this diverse network of lives that construct our society, but at the same time conserving our individual uniqueness is what spawns’ new ideas and perspectives. The works in this series of drawings and paintings deal with the representation of diversity and inclusion. I have created a visual language of colorful geometric shapes that overlap and interweave. The drawings are done with the use of colored pencil on paper and the paintings are done with acrylic paint on canvas.
The hard edged geometric shapes represent our personal identities. The varied shapes are playfully placed to interweave and overlap with each other while creating a balanced harmonious environment. The work references our diverse similarities and differences while taking into consideration our distinct personal characteristics. The translucent paint quality conceptualizes the framework of intersectionality as it relates to people’s identities and their experiences alone and with others. The vibrant bold colors are a representation of my own Mexican heritage and embraces the traditions which make up my identity.
My aim of this work is to challenge the viewer to examine what it means to be truly diverse and inclusive. The acknowledgement of the intersecting shapes incorporates the idea that everyone of us as an individual has had experiences of confronting discrimination and oppression. In creating these pieces, I want to bring about an awareness that although we are each different from one another, we can support, respect, value and empower each other. Each of our stories matter, and for this reason, the works are designed to be shown in whichever direction one chooses them to be displayed. Every viewer is free to experience the work how they choose and generate their own awareness of a diverse and inclusive society.
