I know how it feels to be in hopeless situation where letting go is scarier than the abuse you endure by staying. Sometimes, your anchors aren’t enough to keep you steady, not when someone in your life seems to think they can tell you how much you’re worth. I think there’s at least one person out there who needs to hear this: you decide your worth, not anybody else.
I created this mask to share that what’s going on inside of me (or anyone else) is not always what is visible. I use art to express how I’m feeling about lots of subjects, including injustice and the hope for justice.
My piece is about LGBTQ+ pride in the face of an increasingly homophobic and transphobic administration and society. The current political climate has made it harder to be queer or trans, and while it is really scary, I believe that resilience is our best option. We have to keep fighting, keep resisting, and keep living as LGBTQ + people.
This is a personal narrative reflecting on an experience where I saw how justice or the lack of it can shape how we see fairness, people, and the world. It shares how a moment involving someone else helped me think more deeply about what justice really means.
“This piece was inspired by things that happen in a everyday life, the way that our perspective are deeply influenced by our backgrounds, identities and other experiences. The hands with the handcuffs symbolizes the struggles and challenges faced by many people who may feel trapped by legal systems and immigration policies. On the sides you see two different flags and a border above them, that represents the auhority and the power of the legal system and shows how much power they have over many individuals. The gavel represents authority and the power of the legal system, while the scales of justice symbolize the tracking of fairness and equality. The illustration of God’s face above the border means reassurance, reminding you that you are never alone in you’re struggles, helping to guide you through challenges and offering help when things get difficult. This captures the idea that our identities influence not only our individual stories but also our mutual understanding of justice.”
The scars below the chest signify a trans individual who was able to pursue their transition, despite the many hardships they undoubtedly faced. The eyes on the chest signify defiance in the face of adversity, staring back at those who scrutinize their identity. This statue shows that although many political and public figures may try to erase or belittle the history of trans people, we have always been here – represented in art, culture, and media. Trans people deserve to see their bodies represented and their issues spoken through art.
It is about how if you ever felt down or feel like you life is hopelessly spiraling out of your hands, it’s play to take a breath and do the things that you like to make yourself feel better.
It’s absolutely outrageous to me that books and information can be banned. Oftentimes, these books are labeled as ‘inappropriate’ as a way to justify silencing them.
I’ve always struggled with feeling comfortable in my identity because of the way my hair looks compared to those around me. It’s caused me a lot anxiety and stress. Over time though, I have learned that my hair is a part of me. My film shows the ways I have come to be more comfortable in my skin. Seeing my mom with her own unique hair and talking with others who share the same feelings has allowed to me to realize I’m not alone.
My artwork focuses on the lack of educational opportunities for young farmworkers. I wanted to represent themes of education, health/environmental issues, and social justice for farm workers. As a Latina, I want to highlight some of the struggles in my community and facing people my age.