Fruto De Tu Vientre
Location
FA-203
Start Date
1-5-2026 11:40 AM
Department
Art + Design
Abstract
Through my paintings, I analyze my Mexican background which contains deeply rooted patriarchal beliefs known as machismo, which stands for extreme toxic masculinity. The work examines the complex relationship between femininity and society through imagery depicting nature and contorted female figures. Using symbolism that portrays feminist ideology and sexual identity allows the imagery to confront the societal norms and religious expectations imposed on women. Through these images, I portray the discomfort of being a woman by contorting the limbs of female figures and confining them within the boundaries of the canvas, symbolizing the social boundaries placed on women. The composition of the paintings consists of vibrant, saturated colors that emphasize the idea of beauty as a standard imposed on women. Working improvisationally and playing with scale allows me to reconfigure the female figures' poses to fit within the boundaries of the canvas. Color intensity is something that I emphasize in the compositions to enhance the whimsical imagery of the distorted figures. Working with thin layers of paint allows me to convey emotions of anger, distress, and sadness through the harshness and expressiveness of the visible brushstrokes. While creating the works, I analyze my own restrictions to confront my identity as a result of assimilating to my Mexican heritage and Catholic practices. The use of contorted female figures in the compositions allows people to feel a sense of confinement as they navigate their own daily lives. Through the work, I want viewers to feel a sense of reflection as they bring their own color associations to my pieces. By exploring themes related to gender identity, sexuality, and feminism, I invite the viewers to analyze and question their own internal connections and struggles.
Faculty Sponsor
Nate Mathews
Fruto De Tu Vientre
FA-203
Through my paintings, I analyze my Mexican background which contains deeply rooted patriarchal beliefs known as machismo, which stands for extreme toxic masculinity. The work examines the complex relationship between femininity and society through imagery depicting nature and contorted female figures. Using symbolism that portrays feminist ideology and sexual identity allows the imagery to confront the societal norms and religious expectations imposed on women. Through these images, I portray the discomfort of being a woman by contorting the limbs of female figures and confining them within the boundaries of the canvas, symbolizing the social boundaries placed on women. The composition of the paintings consists of vibrant, saturated colors that emphasize the idea of beauty as a standard imposed on women. Working improvisationally and playing with scale allows me to reconfigure the female figures' poses to fit within the boundaries of the canvas. Color intensity is something that I emphasize in the compositions to enhance the whimsical imagery of the distorted figures. Working with thin layers of paint allows me to convey emotions of anger, distress, and sadness through the harshness and expressiveness of the visible brushstrokes. While creating the works, I analyze my own restrictions to confront my identity as a result of assimilating to my Mexican heritage and Catholic practices. The use of contorted female figures in the compositions allows people to feel a sense of confinement as they navigate their own daily lives. Through the work, I want viewers to feel a sense of reflection as they bring their own color associations to my pieces. By exploring themes related to gender identity, sexuality, and feminism, I invite the viewers to analyze and question their own internal connections and struggles.