ARTIST STATEMENT
My artworks delve into the cultural ties of food, heritage, and memory. They help embody my connection to cultural identity, family, and culinary traditions that shaped my upbringing. My artistic practice involves a mix of visual storytelling and cultural celebration, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and social causes that impact my community. These pieces dig into my memories and cultural connections, showcasing the impact of food as a cultural symbol. Within my poster I explore the historical context of the dish and opt to use colors only found within the Mexican flag through the different shades of reds, greens, whites, and the brown found on the eagle. The video becomes a narrative space where the act of making rice tells stories of my own memories with the dish, paying homage to my mother within the use of her voice.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Based in the Chicago suburbs, I am a first-generation Mexican-American pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design at Illinois State University. Recently featured in an exhibition titled “Nuestra Gente”, I use my art to explore the complexities of my cultural identity. I am an active member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., and hold executive roles in the Spanish Club and Association of Latin American Students, contributing to a supportive community on campus. My work delves into my Mexican heritage, aiming to visually narrate the stories embedded in my cultural roots. The blend of design and cultural narrative serves as a celebration of Latinx experience in the United States, addressing traditions and the reality of it within the US. Through my art, I strive to portray a sense of pride and belonging within the Latinx community.
© Natalie Reynoso