Alejandra Carrillo-Estrada

Las Tres Marias (The Three Marias)
stainless steel
3.25 x 3.25 x .125 in.

I explore themes related to identity, border culture, and social justice. Conceptually, I focus on liminality in both geographical and symbolical contexts to approach the semiotics of dress and adornment. My overall vision is to understand political problems holistically and provide social commentary through the creations of tangible objects and performances, such as jewelry, garments, and social interventions. My goals are to dismantle stereotypes and create materials for emergent cultural identities.

One of the cultural identities that can be seen in my work is within the series of the three brooches titled “Las Tres Marias” (The Three Marias). The brooches are huipiles, a traditional indigenous garment from South Mexico and Central American countries. They are representative of indigenous rights but most importantly, they also represent women’s rights. Maria, Mary, Marie, Marijke are probably the most common names in many languages but essentially they are the same name. The brooches are armor for all women, to protect their ancestry, history, motherhood and future.

© Alejandra Carrillo-Estrada