Artist Statement
My artwork is presented with broad mediums, materials, and ideas. It begins by process of experimentation with paint or my reaction to unconventional materials. Multimedia objects suits the construction of my work. Inspiration and curiosity amuses me during art processes, which evolves the subject matter in its own unique way. Therefore, every artwork looks different from one another. Some unconventional materials are scrap fabric, assemblage, tea, spices, mundane objects, flower pots, etc. While in my conventional artwork you see my paintings, sculptures, and prints sometimes combined with embroidery techniques, paper- maché, and collage. The artworks stem from themes of indigenous belief, Ecuadorian tradition, symbolism, narrative, and conceptualism. The contrast in materials and subjects become essential for the context or voice of the art, as well as to underline the idea I wish to express for example: life experiences, traditions and decolonizing.
The two main movements seen in my work are symbolism and conceptualism. When working with my life as subject matter I lean towards symbolic figures, cultural representation, and my dual nationality. The symbolic contexts vary from family, friends, history, and imaginary events. When working with conceptualism my artwork transforms abstract and minimalistic with focus on conceptual narrative, and creation of symbols as its own language for my world. Symbolism shows through representation of figures, and objects with themes of Ecuadorian Tradition, dreams and visions. For example: “Día de los Difuntos” (All soul’s Day) is a large theme in my work that represents “guaguas de pan”, (baby-bread) which is symbolic to birth and life, and “Colada”, (fruity drink) that represents death. In this celebration food is important because it brings together family and my ancestors. Shared stories during celebrations impact my work as an itch for narrative of the unknown truth. The narratives are connections with family and the past to understand identity and its influence on culture.
My conceptual artwork tries to decolonize art through historical references between two historical cultures. These cultures highlight colonization symbols in conjunction with indigenous symbols. Both mixtures necessary to understand Latin American History. My goal is to unify both clashing cultures by challenging body and mind to describe and simplify to the viewers my identity. The work’s biculturalism and subtle narratives help create the hybrid identity where language, material and color speak for themselves. For example in my “Carajo” performance I use historical stories
to symbolize past and conceptualism to represent the present on my experiences as a woman, relationships, and political challenges inspired by 1970’s radical women performances. Other poetic performances show stories of abusive intimate experience’s that myself and other women have endured while being in an insecure lonely dark space.
Finally, my goal is to have both English and Latin audiences enjoy my work through personal connections between cultures, family structures and ideas. I want to revolutionize my artwork to being symbolic and meaningful to my country and the art world.
