"Justicia a La Loteria"
Location
FA-152
Start Date
2-5-2025 10:40 AM
Department
Art + Design
Abstract
With “Justicia a la Loteria”, I seek to create a learning experience and encourage viewers to reflect on both the problematic aspects and the beauty of the Hispanic card game called “Loteria”. Cancel culture has led to a reevaluation of some elements of the game, and the game was wrongfully banned in 2024 by the Angelina Pedroso Center at Northeastern Illinois University. The center cited that the images were “harmful and discriminatory” before taking the opportunity to deepen their research. My intent is to show that these cards remain a beloved tradition within the Latino community and this game offers the opportunity to create a space of solidarity that should have happened from the very beginning. I want viewers to recognize that while we acknowledge past mistakes, there is still value and joy in the game, especially in how it can bring families together. Ultimately, my work stands as a celebration and honors Lotería’s cultural legacy while reimagining its role today. Visually, my paintings are vibrant and playful, and mix figures and objects that contrast each other, thus creating a whole different meaning. I use acrylic paint on canvas, a familiar medium from my childhood, to keep the traditional imagery of Lotería cards while adding fresh, lively colors. The work starts with detailed sketches, followed by quick ones on the canvas, experimenting with wet-on-wet techniques for smooth, flowing effects. Mistakes and adjustments along the way have shaped my style, blending creativity with activism to reflect on Lotería’s complexities while honoring its role in bringing people together.
Faculty Sponsor
Nate Mathews
"Justicia a La Loteria"
FA-152
With “Justicia a la Loteria”, I seek to create a learning experience and encourage viewers to reflect on both the problematic aspects and the beauty of the Hispanic card game called “Loteria”. Cancel culture has led to a reevaluation of some elements of the game, and the game was wrongfully banned in 2024 by the Angelina Pedroso Center at Northeastern Illinois University. The center cited that the images were “harmful and discriminatory” before taking the opportunity to deepen their research. My intent is to show that these cards remain a beloved tradition within the Latino community and this game offers the opportunity to create a space of solidarity that should have happened from the very beginning. I want viewers to recognize that while we acknowledge past mistakes, there is still value and joy in the game, especially in how it can bring families together. Ultimately, my work stands as a celebration and honors Lotería’s cultural legacy while reimagining its role today. Visually, my paintings are vibrant and playful, and mix figures and objects that contrast each other, thus creating a whole different meaning. I use acrylic paint on canvas, a familiar medium from my childhood, to keep the traditional imagery of Lotería cards while adding fresh, lively colors. The work starts with detailed sketches, followed by quick ones on the canvas, experimenting with wet-on-wet techniques for smooth, flowing effects. Mistakes and adjustments along the way have shaped my style, blending creativity with activism to reflect on Lotería’s complexities while honoring its role in bringing people together.