We Are U.S. Citizens
Location
FA-153
Department
Art
Abstract
I have the privilege to express and share important issues that are taking place in our nation. It is one thing for people to read or hear from the news but being able to see it formed in an artistic manner has a higher chance of resonating with them. My goal is to be the voice for those who do not have one. While creating my artwork I hold onto my belief that a positive chain reaction begins with others wanting to be better as a society. My previous work explores themes of homelessness and homeland. My current work is about the impacts of climate change on communities in Puerto Rico and how the Federal Government failed to assist the U.S. Citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane María. My creative process includes photographing, drawing, designing, and constructing. In my most recent solo exhibition, I constructed a room to resemble a Puerto Rican home going through a hurricane. The pictures presented are photographs that were submitted from friends and family who personally experienced Hurricane María along with written testimonials. This exposes the lack of assistance and organization our Federal Government provided; additionally it exposes the news media falling short on coverage towards the island. As someone who anxiously watched the destruction and injustice shared through social platforms while in the midst of waiting to hear from the island, I feel that it is time to voice the frustration amongst our political environment. The lack of remorse and support towards climate change and the people of Puerto Rico from the Federal Government ought to be shared. Consequently, these voluntarily given photos grant me the opportunity to not only voice this message, but to digitally alter them into collage work, alongside the donated props to stage set the room. When we help one another against all odds we have the opportunity to make a difference. Each collage is formatted to outline causes of climate change, emphasizing the need for change to prevent further catastrophic events. It is necessary to understand and adjust the way we negatively impact our planet.
Faculty Sponsor
Nate Mathews, Northeastern Illinois University
We Are U.S. Citizens
FA-153
I have the privilege to express and share important issues that are taking place in our nation. It is one thing for people to read or hear from the news but being able to see it formed in an artistic manner has a higher chance of resonating with them. My goal is to be the voice for those who do not have one. While creating my artwork I hold onto my belief that a positive chain reaction begins with others wanting to be better as a society. My previous work explores themes of homelessness and homeland. My current work is about the impacts of climate change on communities in Puerto Rico and how the Federal Government failed to assist the U.S. Citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane María. My creative process includes photographing, drawing, designing, and constructing. In my most recent solo exhibition, I constructed a room to resemble a Puerto Rican home going through a hurricane. The pictures presented are photographs that were submitted from friends and family who personally experienced Hurricane María along with written testimonials. This exposes the lack of assistance and organization our Federal Government provided; additionally it exposes the news media falling short on coverage towards the island. As someone who anxiously watched the destruction and injustice shared through social platforms while in the midst of waiting to hear from the island, I feel that it is time to voice the frustration amongst our political environment. The lack of remorse and support towards climate change and the people of Puerto Rico from the Federal Government ought to be shared. Consequently, these voluntarily given photos grant me the opportunity to not only voice this message, but to digitally alter them into collage work, alongside the donated props to stage set the room. When we help one another against all odds we have the opportunity to make a difference. Each collage is formatted to outline causes of climate change, emphasizing the need for change to prevent further catastrophic events. It is necessary to understand and adjust the way we negatively impact our planet.