ARTIST STATEMENT
This work is part of The Past, Present and Future series. It is deeply rooted in my Mexican identity reflecting a cultural pluralism that exists in our population. The indigenous culture is at the heart of Mexican society. Not only do we see our past ancestors being honored with ancient monuments but we live through the customs, traditions, and artwork that survived even after hundreds of years of colonialism, genocide, and oppression. The series wishes to embrace a reality of our past and present but our future. By self-defining, embracing multi-identities, and celebrating do we begin to de-marginalize, represent, and protect the rights of our people. The body of work is a result of several trips taken to famous historical sites throughout Mexico and Central America and photographing them. Pilgrimages have served as an act or a journey to reconnect both serving a social and interior process. The historical sites are juxtaposed with photographs of “Concheros” (Aztec Dancers of Mexico City). Concheros reflect a contemporary expression of ancient rituals rich in history and tradition. Through their dance, they are honoring the Gods forming a link to the cosmos and speak to the duality we live in.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Founder and Executive Director of Dragonfly Gallery and Creative Spaces, Ivonne is a Chicago-based artist, photographer, advocate, educator, and curator. Working in a variety of different mediums and content, Ivonne loves to create and collaborate. Inspired by every day’s beauty and expressing some of the challenges we all face. Ivonne has been an active member of the art community since 2002. She received her Master’s in Arts Education from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has been in arts education for the last 15 years. Currently working at National Louis University as a Field Specialist, Field Coach and Adjunct Professor. Ivonne received the Chicago Present Grant in 2020, City of Chicago: Neighborhood Opportunity Fund for Minority Businesses in 2019, and Individual Support: Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency in 2018.
© Ivonne Cruz