Regalitos de Mamá Painting

No estoy pintada en la pared, a saying in Spanish that translates into, I am not painted on the wall. As a Central American woman, on many occasions I have not been taken seriously, my experiences dismissed, and my identity not validated. While the phrase is figurative, ironically, the painting takes the tangible form. Ultimately, I created a piece where I painted myself that will always be hung on a wall. Regalitos de Mamá, is an oil on canvas painting that explores the connection between identity and culture. Specifically, with my mom who is Guatemalan, and the question of what does being Central American mean to me? The minimalistic yellow background allows the focus on the tension created between the wooden placard and the figure. The wooden placard is a clue towards the figure’s identity. The stylized subject matter painted on the surface, are indicators that Guatemalan artisanal hands made this piece. The decision to paint myself nude, is a matter of me controlling the narrative and viewing the figure objectively. The red marks on the figure, indicate that at one point the figure was wearing a bra. Referencing feminist movements and also highlighting how clothing plays a part in gender roles. The removal of the bra insinuates a separation from societal expectations. Leaving the focus around the golden necklaces, which, as the title insinuates are gifts from my mom. The painting is an homage of women’s resilience and to all the mothers who have gifted us with endless knowledge.