New Mexican-American Identity

University of California, Los Angeles DMA Supplemental
2021

During my Junior year, in development with my portfolio in accordance to the AP 2D Design Exam, I wanted to create art that visually communicates the way I feel about being a Mexican-American, and the personal conflicts I live with, in a bi-cultural environment. Growing up in America, I was not raised with the traditions of my parents or my ethnicity. With this in mind, I began to feel out of place growing up as well. People would tell me I'm not Mexican enough, I'm too American, I'm not fluent in Spanish so I would be tormented by Spanish-speakers (friends and family) that I can only understand a little. I began putting my emotion into art, describing my cultural conflict, in the style of traditional Mexican decor "Papel Picado." I'm both Mexican and American, and through the process, I came to accept myself for who I am and my place in culture. I also chose to include positive affirmations for the viewer, who might be in a similar cultural identity but to reassure that it's okay.