Challenging Truth Show Pieces (Endangered Animals)
Self Critique- Gif Project
In this project I wanted to create 3 different GIFs that I felt that represented me. In the first gif I added cacti in the background to represent the area of Mexico my family is from, not only does this represent the area, the cactus represents a staple food in my culture and it's value in our culture. The second gif represents me as an artist, I painted all the individual strokes in photoshop and it represents how I am a painter, who enjoys playing with color. In the last gif I added Folklorico skirts as the background because this form of dance is really special to me and my upbringing. I also drew the sugar skulls because I love how the designs looked on top of the pink skirts. I think I was successful in representing myself and my culture in this project, but one critique I would add to improve the pieces overall is to change the speed of the last gif.
Zine Project
Artist Statement/Self Critique
In this series I wanted to utilize my skills in photography and graphic design by creating a series on societal topics that I am passionate about. Being a gay women of color in today's society- I am exposed to lots of negative thoughts and ideas mostly stemming from social media platforms. To combat this negativity I have put together a series using bright colors and messages to express these issues I have faced and/or come across.
Reflection
In my first piece I have my brother modeling wearing eye makeup, I wanted to put bright pink eye makeup to symbolize his feminine side. This piece is about gender norms and breaking out of them, my brother compared to most of his classmates is very in tune with his feminine side and I wanted to show him that it is okay to show this side. The first piece to me has balance as the focal point is in the middle and the proportion to the text is just right. In the second piece I have my friend Liam who is openly gay, this piece is about the negative effects of toxic masculinity, having men not show their emotions and bury them. The reason I chose Liam is because I wanted to portray someone that toxic masculinity affects the most, which in most cases is gay men. I wanted to balance out the text in the background by covering his face because for one I didn't want his expression to be too distracting and two I wanted to add something on top. In this case I added a flower as a symbol to reflect on who is hiding behind the mask, which the audience does not know, and to express that he can blossom out of this societal construct.