Forming Identity Through Visual Illusions
Thursday, February 15, 2024: 5:30 PM
Williford B (Hilton Chicago)
Through digital illustration, drawing, and painting, Laia explores her bi-national and cultural
identities through the lens of being a Mexican national living in the US. She examines
socio-political environments through pop culture using a bright and bold color palette. Her
vibrant colors accentuate social messages through abstract digital images and self-portraits.
Inviting the viewer to psychedelic illustrations by the way of Mesoamerican step fret imagery
(Xicalcoliuhqui) used in architectural mosaics found in ancient buildings, tombs, and palaces.
Step frets were distinctive and commonly understood as a symbol of who was allowed to come into a certain location. The step fret imagery in this case is being used as a lens to look through. Inspired by Ana Mendieta’s “Anima” 1977 work that explored political and personal thoughts through an artistic point of view. Inviting the viewer to examine their perspectives and sense of self. The phrase “Tienes todo el nopal en la cara” is generally used as an offensive retort in Mexican culture to describe how one holds a close resemblance or is similarly mannered to an indigenous Mexican person. The artist’s goal was to adapt this phrase in a positive manner of pride rather than one of prejudice.
identities through the lens of being a Mexican national living in the US. She examines
socio-political environments through pop culture using a bright and bold color palette. Her
vibrant colors accentuate social messages through abstract digital images and self-portraits.
Inviting the viewer to psychedelic illustrations by the way of Mesoamerican step fret imagery
(Xicalcoliuhqui) used in architectural mosaics found in ancient buildings, tombs, and palaces.
Step frets were distinctive and commonly understood as a symbol of who was allowed to come into a certain location. The step fret imagery in this case is being used as a lens to look through. Inspired by Ana Mendieta’s “Anima” 1977 work that explored political and personal thoughts through an artistic point of view. Inviting the viewer to examine their perspectives and sense of self. The phrase “Tienes todo el nopal en la cara” is generally used as an offensive retort in Mexican culture to describe how one holds a close resemblance or is similarly mannered to an indigenous Mexican person. The artist’s goal was to adapt this phrase in a positive manner of pride rather than one of prejudice.